The Symptoms and Treatments of Leukemia
Leukemia strikes all ages and both sexes. In 1995 approximately 20,400 people died from
Leukemia. The all time five year survival rate is 38%. This rate has gone to 52% in the
mid 1980's. Approximately 25,700 cases were reported in 1995 alone(American Cancer
Society-leukemia, 1995).
Leukemia is a form of cancer in the blood cells. Most forms of Leukemia occur in the
white blood cells. These abnormal cells reproduce in large quantities and look and
perform differently than normal cells(MedicineNet-leukemia, 1997).
Right now the causes of Leukemia are unknown. Some studies have shown that
exposure to high-energy radiation increases chances of contracting leukemia. Such
radiation was produced in the atomic bombing of Japan during World War II. There is also
enough energy in nuclear plants so strict safety precautions are taken. Some research
shows that exposure to electric magnetic fields, such as power lines and electric
appliances, is a possible risk factor. More studies are needed to prove this link. Some
genetic conditions, such as Down's syndrome, are also believed to increase the risk
factor. Exposure to some chemicals is also suspected to be a risk factor. By learning
the causes of leukemia treatment options will become available(MedicineNet-leukemia,
1997).
There are many symptoms of leukemia. The symptoms of leukemia are the same
for all the different types of leukemia. The acute types of leukemia, ALL and AML,
symptoms are seen more quickly than in the chronic types of leukemia, CLL and CML, where
symptoms do not necessarily appear right away. The symptoms are flu symptom, weakness,
fatigue, constant infections, easily bleed and bruise, loss of weight and appetite,
swollen lymph nodes, liver or spleen, paleness, bone or joint pain, excess sweating,
swollen or bleeding gums, nosebleeds and other hemorrhages, and red spots called
petechiae located underneath the skin. In acute Leukemia the cancerous cells may collect
around the central nervous system. The results can include headaches, vomiting,
confusion, loss of muscle control, or seizures. These clumps of cancer cells can collect
in other various parts of the body(MedicineNet-leukemia, 1997 and American Cancer
Society-leukemia, 1995).
Leukemia can be diagnosed in a number of ways. Blood work is commonly done in the
laboratory. Different forms of blood work include checking the hemoglobin count,
platelet count, or white blood cell count. X-rays are routinely done for treatment
follow-up. Ultrasound is also used as a treatment follow-up. CT Scan is a special type
of x-ray used as a detailed cross section of a specific area of the body. Bone marrow is
routinely tested to examine progress of the disease. Spinal taps are also used in
certain types of cancers. The spinal fluid is checked to see if cancer cells are
present(Parent and Patient handbook-hematology/oncology clinic, Children's Hospital of
Michigan, 19??)
Treatment of Leukemia is very complex. Treatments are tailored to fit each patient's
needs. The treatment depends on the type of the cancer and features of the cells. It
also depends on the patient's age, symptoms, and general health. Acute Leukemia must be
treated immediately. The goal of treatment is to get the cancer into remission. Many
people with Leukemia may be cured. To be considered cured, you must be cancer free for
at least five years. This time also varies depending on the type of cancer. The most
common treatment of Leukemia is chemotherapy. Bone marrow transplants, Radiation, or
biological therapy are also available options. Surgery is also occasionally used.
Chemotherapy is a treatment method in which drugs are given to kill off the cancerous
cells. One or more drugs may be used depending on the type of Leukemia. Anticancer
drugs are usually given by IV injection. Occasionally they are given orally.
Chemotherapy is given in cycles: a treatment period followed by a recovery perio
d followed by another treatment period and this process continues for a certain amount of
time. Radiation therapy is used along with chemotherapy in some occasions. Radiation
uses high energy beams to kill the cancerous cells. Radiation can be applied to either
one area or to the whole body. It is applied to the whole body before bone marrow
transplants. Bone marrow transplants are used in certain patients. The patients bone
marrow is killed by high doses of drugs and radiation. The bone marrow is then replaced
by a donor's marrow or the patient's marrow that was remove before the high amounts of
drugs and radiation. Biological therapy involves substances that affect the immune
system's response to the cancer(MedicineNet-leukemia, 1997).
In conclusion, Leukemia can be fatal, but with early diagnosis, proper treatments, and a
lot of luck, it can be put into remission. With treatment options improving constantly,
there may one day be a sure cure. Leukemia is a very dominant disease and very hard to
treat. The key may be in the causes.
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