Leukemia
Leukemia is a type of blood cancer that starts in the bone marrow, the soft tissue found in the center of the bones, where blood cells form.
The term leukemia means white blood. White blood cells (leukocytes) are produced in the bone marrow and are used by the body to fight infections and other foreign substances.
Leukemia leads to an uncontrollable increase in the number of white blood cells.
Cancer cells prevent the production of healthy red blood cells, platelets, and mature white blood cells (leukocytes). Then, life-threatening symptoms can occur as normal blood cells decrease.
Cancer cells can spread to the bloodstream and lymph nodes. They can also travel to the brain and spinal cord (the central nervous system) and other parts of the body.
Leukemia can affect children and adults.
The leukemias are divided into 2 main types:
Sharp (that progresses quickly).
Chronicle (which progresses more slowly).
The main types of leukemia are:
Acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL)
Acute myelogenous leukemia (AML)
Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL)
Chronic myeloid leukemia (CML)
Hairy cell leukemiaPain in bones and joints
Prone to bruising and bleeding (such as bleeding gums, bleeding from the skin, nosebleeds, abnormal periods)
Feeling weak or tired
Fever
Lack of appetite and weight loss
Pallor
Pain or feeling of fullness below the ribs
Small red spots on the skin (petechiae)
Swollen lymph nodes in the neck, under the arms and in the groin
Cold sweats
These symptoms can occur with other conditions. Talk with your health care provider about the meaning of your specific symptoms.
Tests and exams
A physical examination may reveal the following:
Bruises
Enlargement of the liver, lymph nodes and spleen
Signs of bleeding (petechiae, purple)
Blood tests may include:
Complete blood count (CBC), which includes a white blood cell count
Platelet count
Bone marrow biopsy
Lumbar puncture (spinal tap) to look for leukemic cells in the cerebrospinal fluid
Tests are also done to look for chromosomal changes in the DNA inside the abnormal white blood cells. Certain changes in the DNA can determine the evolution of a person (prognosis) and the type of treatment that is recommended.
Treatment
The first goal of treatment is to get blood counts back to normal. If this happens and the bone marrow looks healthy under a microscope, the cancer is said to be in remission.
Chemotherapy is the first treatment that is tested with the aim of achieving remission.
It is possible that the person needs to stay in the hospital to perform chemotherapy or it can be done in a clinic and the person goes home after it.
Chemotherapy is given in the veins (IV) and sometimes in the fluid around the brain (cerebrospinal fluid).
After achieving a remission, additional treatment is necessary to achieve a cure. This treatment may require more intravenous chemotherapy or radiation to the brain. You can also do stem cell or bone marrow transplantation from another person. The additional treatment depends on:
The age and health of the person.
Genetic changes in leukemia cells.
The number of chemotherapy sessions that were needed to achieve a remission.
If abnormal cells are still detected under the microscope.
Availability of donors for stem cell transplantation.
You and your provider may need to manage other concerns during treatment for leukemia, including:Having chemotherapy at home
Deal with your pets during chemotherapy
Bleeding problems
Dry mouth
Eat enough calories
Eat safely during cancer treatment
Support groups
The stress caused by the disease can be alleviated by joining a cancer support group. Sharing with others who have common experiences and problems can help you not feel lonely.
Expectations (prognosis)
People who respond to treatment immediately tend to have a better prognosis. The majority of children with ALL can be cured. Children generally have a better clinical outcome than adults.
Possible complications
Both the leukemia itself and the treatment can lead to many problems, such as bleeding, weight loss and infections.
When to contact a medical professional
Ask your doctor if you or your child have symptoms of ALL.
Prevention
You can reduce the risk of suffering from acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL) by avoiding contact with certain toxins, radiation and chemicals.
Alternative names
LLA; Acute lymphoblastic leukemia; Acute lymphoid leukemia; Acute infantile leukemia; Cancer - acute childhood leukemia (ALL); Leukemia - acute childhood (ALL); Acute lymphocytic leukemia
Instructions for the patient
High after bone marrow transplant
High after radiation in the mouth and neck
Consumption of additional calories when you are sick (adults)
When you have nausea and vomiting
Oral mucositis
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