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Leukemia


Leukemia is a cancer of the blood cells.

Summary
Definition
Causes
Symptoms
Prevention Tips

Definition
Leukemia is a cancer of the blood cells.

Leukemia: Acute or chronic
There are several types of leukemia:

-Acute leukemias: They can be lymphoblastic or myéloblastiques, they most often affect children, and their occurrence is rapid;

-Chronic Leukemias: Also lymphoid or myeloid, they evolve over several years and are more frequent in older subjects.

These different leukemias are of varying severity and prognosis. But all have in common an infectious risk (due to the decrease in the number of functional white blood cells), a hemorrhagic risk (by decreased platelets) and a risk of complications related to anemia (depletion of red blood cells).

Cause (s)
The blood cells (red cells, white cells and platelets) are made in the bone marrow.

The mechanism of formation of leukemia
In the case of leukemia, there is an excessive multiplication of white blood cells  "Young ", called blasts, which will be in the blood in an unusual way. An increase in the number of white blood cells (leukocytes) is observed in the blood: it is a leukocytosis. But these blood cells are not functional and they are responsible for poor protection of the organism against infections. We're talking about immunosuppression. These cells can invade other organs such as lymph nodes, the liver, the nervous system...

This massive production leads to an inability of the marrow to properly produce the other blood cells, namely the red cells, hence anemia, and platelets, hence a thrombocytopenia.

Among the white blood cells, different cell can be affected:
-Lymphoblasts: These are the young cells that give the lymphocytes;
-Myéloblastes: These are the precursor cells of polynuclears.

Factors that promote leukemia
Leukemias may be favoured by exposure to toxic substances (radiation, previous anticancer treatments...), by the existence of an immune deficiency, by certain chromosomal anomalies.

Symptom (s)
Leukemia, or rather leukemias, since there are different types, are revealed by:
-Signs of anemia: shortness of breath, paleness, dizziness, fatigue...
-Signs of thrombocytopenia (decrease in the number of platelets): Hemorrhages, Hematomas, petechiae (small red dots on the skin)...
-Signs of infection, linked to the fall in the number of functional white blood cells: fever, pneumonia (pulmonary infection), fungal disease...
-adenopathies, i.e. enlarged lymph nodes, in the neck, armpits, groin. Spleen and liver can also be large (splenomegaly and hepatomegaly).

Bone pain, weight loss, neurological abnormalities (paralysis of the cranial nerves...) accompanied by headaches, vomiting... may exist.

Medical care is paramount.

Prevention advice
It is recommended to avoid prolonged exposure to toxic substances (ionizing radiation, benzene...).

Review (s)
The suspicion of leukemia appears as a result of a blood sample that reveals several anomalies:
-Increase in the total number of white blood cells;
-presence of "young " cells that should normally be found in the bone marrow;
Anemia
-Thrombocytopenia (number of low platelets).

It is a myelogram (microscopic study of bone marrow removed from the bone) that will confirm the diagnosis: there is a significant proliferation of precursor cells of the white blood cells.

Treatment (s)
The treatment of leukemia is mainly based on cancer chemotherapy, whose molecules and protocols vary depending on the specifics of leukemia and the treatment teams.

In recent years, serious advances have made it possible to develop molecules that improve the treatment of leukemias and the quality of life of the sick subject. Regardless of the type of leukemia, this treatment can last for several months or even several years. Remissions and healings are common (especially in children).

Psychological help for the person who is affected and his family is paramount.

Acute leukemias (myéloblastiques and lymphoblastic)
They are treated initially by intensive chemotherapy which usually requires a long enough hospitalization. The goal is to destroy the wrong cells. However, healthy cells, especially those of the scalp, bone marrow and digestive tract, are also affected. Consequence: After intensive chemotherapy, the body's cells, including those of blood and the immune system, can no longer be renewed. We're talking about aplasia. During this period that usually lasts one month, the person is put in a sterile room to protect it from infections. It is sometimes necessary to make transfusions of platelets and red blood cells. Antibiotics and/or antifungals (against fungi) are prescribed when an infection has occurred.

Subsequently, many other chemotherapy treatments with more or less  "Strong" products will be carried out. Radiotherapy sessions can be associated. Stem cell transplants from bone marrow or blood (obtained from a "compatible" person, often from the same family) are possible and practiced in some cases (relapse, poor response to chemotherapy...).

Chronic leukemia
Their treatment consists of anticancer chemotherapy (monoclonal antibodies, corticosteroids...) which can in some cases be taken orally: they are more often – but not always – better tolerated than those of acute leukemias. Stem cell transplants and radiation therapy are sometimes performed. Tumor Ada Dua Macam yaitu tumor Jinak dan tumor Ganas. Tumor Jinak Hanya tumbuh dan Membesar, Tidak Terlalu Berbahaya, dan tidak menyebar ke luar jaringan. Sedangkan tumor ganas Adalah kanker Yang tumbuh dengan cepat dan Tidak terkendali dan Merusak Jaringan Lainnya.