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leukemia: types, symptoms and treatment

leukemia is a broad term for multiple different forms of blood cancer. it primarily affects the stem cells that grow into blood cells.

by emma jones

may 28 2021
read time 1 minute read
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leukemia types, symptoms and treatment
leukemia is the most common cancer in children under 15.

leukemia is a broad term for multiple different forms of blood cancer. it primarily affects the stem cells that grow into blood cells, according to cancer.ca. these stem cells grow into precursor cells called blasts. once mutated, they begin to multiply uncontrollably and crowd out other important blood cells developing in the bone marrow or lymphatic system.

the different sub-types of leukemia are primarily categorized based on the type of stem cell that mutates. leukemias that develop from myeloid stem cells (blasts that develop into red blood cells, platelets, and two types of white blood cells monocytes and granulocytes) fall under the umbrella of myelogenous leukemias. blood cancer that develops from lymphoid stem cells (blasts that develop into lymphocytes, a type of white blood cell) are called lymphocytic leukemias.

leukemia is the most common cancer in children under 15, but primarily affects adults over 55, according to cancer.gov. certain types of leukemia have been connected to exposure to radiation, various chemicals, and smoke inhalation, however, many types of leukemia also start without an apparent external cause. there is no definitive understanding on the mechanism that starts leukemia.

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symptoms

leukemia can cause a wide range of general symptoms, which include (but are not limited to):
  • fever
  • easy bleeding or bruising (including bleeding gums and re-occurring nosebleeds)
  • fever
  • shortness of breath
  • dizziness
  • enlarged or swollen lymph nodes
  • enlarged spleen
  • petechiae: small red spots just under the surface of the skin
  • issues with vision
  • eye sores
  • abdominal discomfort
  • lack of energy or general tiredness and weakness
  • unexplained weight loss

(source: cancer.ca )

treatment

treatment depends on the type and severity of the blood cancer, however treatments generally include radiation and chemotherapy. some types of blood cancers can now also be managed with medication.
in some circumstances, stem cell therapy may be recommended. in a stem cell transplant, the cells in the patient’s bone marrow are killed through intensive chemo or radiation, after which a donation of stem cells is given with the goal of replacing cells that are prone to becoming cancerous with healthy blood cells
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the leukemia & lymphoma society of canada (llsc)

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