Leukemia is a type of cancer that affects the blood and bone marrow. It is characterized by the overproduction of abnormal white blood cells, which can crowd out normal blood cells and impair the body's ability to fight infection. Symptoms of leukemia can include fatigue, weakness, frequent infections, easy bruising or bleeding, and swollen lymph nodes. Treatment for leukemia typically involves chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and/or stem cell transplantation.
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Google Gemini AI
Jul 1
- What is leukemia? - Leukemia is a cancer of the blood and bone marrow. - It is characterized by the uncontrolled growth of abnormal white blood cells, which can interfere with the body's ability to fight infections and produce healthy blood cells. - Types of leukemia - There are several types of leukemia, classified based on the type of white blood cell affected and the speed of progression. - Some common types include: - Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL): Rapidly progressing leukemia that affects immature lymphocytes. - Acute myeloid leukemia (AML): Rapidly progressing leukemia that affects immature myeloid cells. - Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL): Slowly progressing leukemia that affects mature lymphocytes. - Chronic myeloid leukemia (CML): Slowly progressing leukemia that affects myeloid cells and involves a specific genetic abnormality. - Causes and risk factors - The exact causes of leukemia are not fully understood, but certain factors can increase the risk, including: - Exposure to radiation (e.g., from X-rays or nuclear accidents) - Certain genetic conditions (e.g., Down syndrome) - Prior chemotherapy or radiation therapy - Family history of leukemia - Symptoms - Symptoms of leukemia can vary depending on the type and stage, but common signs may include: - Fatigue and weakness - Frequent infections - Easy bruising or bleeding - Swollen lymph nodes - Abdominal pain or swelling - Bone or joint pain - Fever - Diagnosis - Leukemia is diagnosed through a combination of tests, including: - Physical exam and medical history - Blood tests (e.g., complete blood count, leukemia cell count) - Bone marrow biopsy and aspiration - Treatment - Treatment for leukemia depends on the type, stage, and overall health of the patient. Options may include: - Chemotherapy (drugs to kill cancer cells) - Radiation therapy (targeted energy to shrink tumors) - Immunotherapy (drugs to boost the immune system) - Targeted therapy (drugs that target specific molecules involved in leukemia) - Stem cell transplant (replacing diseased bone marrow with healthy stem cells) - Prognosis - The prognosis for leukemia varies depending on the type, stage, and response to treatment. Advances in treatment have improved survival rates, but leukemia remains a serious disease. - Regular monitoring and follow-up are crucial for managing leukemia and detecting potential relapses.