Leukemia is a form of cancer that affects a person's blood or bone marrow. An abundance of white cells in the bloodstream is characteristic of leukemia. There are different types of leukemia, with some forms more prevalent among adults. Several different methods are used to treat patients with leukemia.
Types
Patients can be diagnosed with four different types of leukemia. Two are considered chronic forms that tend to grow slowly over time. There are also two acute forms of leukemia that grow rapidly. Chronic (CLL) and acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL) affect the body's lymphocytes. Chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) and acute myeloid leukemia (AML) affect the body's myeloid cells.
The Facts
Leukemia can affect people of any age. While it is more common for adults over the age of 60, young children can also be diagnosed with leukemia. The most common type of leukemia found in adults is chronic lymphocytic, with 15,000 cases diagnosed every year. Children are more commonly diagnosed with acute lymphocytic leukemia. While chronic myeloid leukemia is typically only found in adults, acute myeloid leukemia can be found in children as well.
Symptoms
Symptoms will vary depending on the severity and type of leukemia. Chronic leukemia might not produce any symptoms. In many cases, chronic leukemia is discovered by chance through routine blood work. Acute leukemia may produce a variety of symptoms including headaches, confusion, weak muscles and even seizures. All forms of leukemia can cause people to feel overly tired. Unexplained weight loss, swollen lymph nodes, night sweats and painful joints can also be symptoms.
Diagnosis
Blood work is used to diagnose leukemia. Doctors will perform several tests to determine the amount of platelets, red cells and white cells that are in the blood. Doctors might also look for abnormalities by examining cells within the blood under a microscope. Biopsies of the bone marrow are a common method of confirming leukemia cells are present. Diagnostic tests might be performed over the course of treatment to determine how well the body is responding.
Treatment
Treatment options will vary depending on the type of leukemia and a person's overall health. Both acute forms of leukemia should be treated immediately. Chronic types of leukemia may not require any treatment initially. Once symptoms are noticeable, a doctor will typically begin treatment. Chemotherapy is a common treatment method. This treatment uses drugs administered orally, or through an IV, to kill the leukemia cells. Radiation therapy is another common treatment method. It exposes certain areas of the body affected by leukemia to high doses of radiation in an attempt to kill the cancerous cells. Doctors might also perform a stem cell transplant in order to administer more aggressive treatment.
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