Leukemia – What You Need to Know
In recent years, the death rate from leukemia has been decreasing. It is estimated that nearly six in 10 people will survive the disease within five years. This rate applies to all forms of leukemia and varies by individual. Therefore, it is important to work closely with your medical team to determine the outlook for your condition.
Symptoms
Children with leukemia often look pale and tired, and may experience a rapid drop in blood pressure. They may also develop small red dots on their skin, which are small blood vessels that have bled. Because their white blood cells are not functioning properly, they are not able to fight infections. This can cause recurrent infections. Children with leukemia also experience pain in their joints and bones that can mimic arthritis.
A person with leukemia should first see their doctor to determine the severity of their symptoms. This is because certain symptoms of the disease may be caused by other diseases. Getting a proper diagnosis is crucial for a successful treatment. There are also many causes of joint pain, such as arthritis or iron-deficiency anemia.
A low platelet count is one of the most common symptoms of leukemia. Since platelets are responsible for blood clotting, a person with a low platelet count may have trouble preventing or treating bleeding. Other symptoms may include easy bruising, bleeding from gums or nose, and heavy menstruation. In addition, people with leukemia may experience swollen lymph nodes. These nodes are located in the neck and face. Patients may also experience a loss of appetite.
Although the symptoms of leukemia are vague and nonspecific, they are indicative of the disease. The best way to find out whether or not you have leukemia is by seeing your GP. These symptoms are more likely to be noticeable if caught early, so the earlier you can get a diagnosis, the better.
A medical professional will ask about your symptoms and perform several tests. A chest X-ray, CT scan, and MRI scan can be helpful in diagnosing leukemia. The results of these tests can help determine the type of leukemia and the treatment. The treatment will depend on the type of leukemia and the extent of the cancer.
A fever is another sign of leukemia. Healthy people do not get fevers unless they’re fighting an infection, but people with leukemia may experience these symptoms on a regular basis. These fevers are caused by the cancer cells producing substances that cause the body to feel feverish, called pyrogens. Night sweats may also be another symptom of leukemia.
Treatments
Leukemia treatments can include a wide variety of approaches and can include chemotherapy, targeted therapy, biological therapy, surgery, and stem cell transplants. Chemotherapy is usually administered in the form of pills or an IV and is designed to destroy cancer cells while sparing healthy cells. The most effective type of chemotherapy is a combination of different drugs. Targeted therapy, on the other hand, targets specific features of cancer cells and is administered through a pill or injection.
Other therapies include biological therapies that target specific leukemia cell types. These drugs work by reprogramming a patient’s own immune system to attack cancer cells. These treatments are often given alongside chemotherapy and may cause side effects. Patients should discuss the phases of leukemia treatment with their healthcare provider to learn more about the best options. Leukemia treatment typically involves three phases, with each phase aimed at a specific goal.
The first step in treating leukemia is to diagnose the disease. X-rays, CT scans, and MRI scans can help determine whether a patient has leukemia. In addition to these imaging tests, doctors can detect leukemia in spinal fluid through a lumbar puncture. The type of leukemia and the spread of the disease will determine which type of treatment will be most effective.
Leukemia treatments may include chemotherapy, which involves using strong drugs and chemicals to destroy cancer cells. The drugs can be given intravenously or as fluids through a central line. The dose and frequency of the drug will vary based on the type of leukemia a patient has. However, chemotherapy may cause side effects, including hair loss and fatigue.
In addition to chemotherapy, patients can also participate in clinical trials to try new therapies. These clinical trials are a great opportunity to try a new treatment before it’s available to the general public. The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society offers special resources to help patients navigate the process. Choosing a treatment plan can be complicated, but working with your doctor and medical team will help you make the best choice for your health.
Radiation therapy is another option for treating leukemia. Unlike chemotherapy, radiation therapy uses high energy rays to kill cancer cells. It can be used alone or with chemotherapy, and sometimes can even help patients eradicate a small area of the disease. Some patients receive targeted radiation, given five days a week, while others have whole body radiation. Radiation therapy can also help shrink lymph nodes and reduce pain.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis of leukemia involves a number of tests. These tests can determine the type of cancer and determine how far the disease has spread. They can also provide information on the treatment plan. Blood tests are a common way to check for the presence of leukemia. These tests may include a complete blood count, a peripheral blood smear, and a bone marrow biopsy. Your physician will then review these results and determine whether you have leukemia.
If your doctor finds out you have leukemia, ask questions about your diagnosis, treatment options, and prognosis. Having specific information will allow you to make the right choices. It is important to ask questions, especially about your treatment options and possible relapse. Knowing more about your condition can also help you feel more confident and informed about the process.
A physical exam is an important part of the diagnosis process. Depending on the type of leukemia, your doctor may focus on lymph nodes, spleen, liver, and mouth. They may also check for bruises and signs of infection. Leukemia can affect the production of white blood cells, which means they cannot fight infections. This can cause recurring infections. Furthermore, leukemia can also cause joint and bone pain.
A complete blood count can help your doctor determine the stage of leukemia. This is usually based on your blood cell count, chromosome abnormalities, and whether or not organs have been affected by the cancer. The stage of leukemia also depends on whether or not the cells are growing rapidly or slowly. If you suspect you have leukemia, see your healthcare provider right away.
A bone marrow test is another way to determine if you have leukemia. The test is done with a thin needle and draws out a sample of your bone marrow. These cells are analyzed in a lab to see if they have any abnormalities. If they are abnormal, it means you have leukemia. Treatment options vary depending on your age, type of leukemia, and its spread.
Cytogenetic tests are another common way to diagnose leukemia. This method measures changes in specific genes and chromosomes in cancer cells. This can help doctors determine the best treatments for you and monitor your response to the treatments.
Stages
Leukemia stages are categorized according to the symptoms and types of the disease. Stages I and II of the disease are characterized by an elevated white blood cell count, swollen lymph nodes, an enlarged spleen and liver, and a lack of red blood cells. Treatment is tailored to address these symptoms and bring about remission.
The stages are used to describe the extent of the cancer and help the healthcare team plan treatment. They also determine whether the cancer has spread to other organs. The healthcare team uses the stage to estimate the chances of the disease being cured. This information is important for determining the right treatment for the patient. Although most cancers are staged according to the size and spread of the primary tumor, leukemia is categorized according to its blood cell count and location.
When diagnosing a patient with leukemia, doctors use one of two methods: the French-American-British (FAB) staging system and the TNM staging system. Using the French-American-British method, doctors determine the stage of a patient’s disease based on the number of healthy blood cells and leukemia cells. The Rai staging system takes into account lymphocyte counts, lymph node size, anemia, and the presence of certain genetic abnormalities.
In stage III, the disease affects other blood cells. A patient with this condition is anemic, has low RBCs and platelets, and may have spleen or liver swelling. At the same time, a person with stage III may also have trouble with clotting. These symptoms are usually accompanied by an enlarged spleen, fever, or both.
While symptoms of leukemia may be similar to flu or other common illnesses, it is important to seek medical treatment immediately. In addition to a complete blood count, doctors may conduct organ biopsy. These tests can determine if leukemia has spread to other organs. While scientists do not fully understand the causes of leukemia, they do know that genetic and environmental factors play a large role in its development.
There are four main types of leukemia. Each type has its own unique staging system.
