Leukemia is a blood cancer marked by the rapid growth of white blood cells. From children to older adults, anyone can be affected by this. However, leukemia is more common in people between 65 to 74. The GLOBOCAN estimates about 25000 children diagnosed with cancer every year in India, and 9000 of these cases are leukemia.
When the definitive cause of leukemia is unknown, researchers know that genetic mutations or changes in DNA cells lead to leukemia or blood cancer. Most identified types of leukemia-causing gene mutations are not inherited. For high-end blood cancer treatmentin Siliguri, consult one of the leading cancer specialists in the city.
Recorded below are the most common symptoms of leukemia:
- Pale skin
- Fatigue
- Shortness of breath
- Unintentional weight loss
- Joint pain or tenderness
- Fever
- Frequent infections
- Weakened immunity
- Night sweats
- Easy bruising and bleeding
- Nose bleeds
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Headaches
- Seizures
- Vomiting
There are four major types of leukemia:
- Acute lymphocytic leukemia/ALL. Among childhood cancers, ALL is the most common type caused by a marrow cell undergoing gene mutations and multiplies fast. ALL spreads to the lymph nodes, spinal cord, and brain.
- Chronic lymphocytic leukemia/CLL. CLL causes too many lymphocytes, an indolent malignancy. It develops from B cells, a type of white blood cell. It’s a progressive condition that mostly affects older adults.
- Acute myelogenous leukemia/AML. AML is a form of blood and bone marrow cancer characterized by too many immature white blood cells. As per data, men are more likely to get affected by acute myelogenous leukemia than women. AML is most common in people at the age of 65 or over 65.
- Chronic myelogenous leukemia/CML. CML begins in the bone marrow, most common in older adults. The symptoms of CML often don’t develop until later stages. The average age at diagnosis of CML is 65 and older.
Data state that acute myeloid/myelogenous leukemia/AML is the most aggressive form of leukemia, which develops rapidly. While it’s more common in older adults, it can affect children. AML begins in the myeloid cells of the bone marrow and spreads fast into the bloodstream.
Genetic conditions like Down Syndrome or neurofibromatosis, family history, exposure to radiation or chemotherapy, active smoking, history of smoking or second-hand smoking, industrial chemical exposure like Benzene and formaldehyde, etc. can put one at risk of leukemia. Schedule an appointment with the best oncologist near you. Get comprehensive blood cancer treatment in Siliguri.
The latest measures show that the 5-year relative survival rate for forms of leukaemia is 65% (according to the National Cancer Institute/NCI). Chemotherapy, radiation therapy, immunotherapy, targeted therapy, T-cell therapy, and bone marrow transplant are the most effective leukaemia treatments available.
