Treatment of Leukemia

Leukemia or leukaemia (Greek leukos ??????, "white"; aima ????, "blood") is a cancer of the blood or bone marrow and is characterized by an abnormal proliferation (production by multiplication) of blood cells, usually white blood cells (leukocytes). It is part of the broad group of diseases called hematological neoplasms.As leukemia progresses, the cancer interferes with the body's production of other types of blood cells, including red blood cells and platelets. This results in anemia (low numbers of red cells) and bleeding problems, in addition to the increased risk of infection caused by white cell abnormalities.

Causes of Leukemia
Acute leukemia. In acute leukemia, the abnormal blood cells are immature blood cells (blasts). They can't carry out their normal work, and they multiply rapidly, so the disease worsens quickly. Acute leukemia requires aggressive, timely treatment.

It is now known that all cancers, including leukemia, begin as a mutation in the genetic material-the DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid)-within certain cells. The external or internal causes of such change probably add up over a lifetime. Leukemia begins when one or more white blood cells experience DNA loss or damage. Those errors are copied and passed on to subsequent generations of cells.

There is conflicting evidence about whether electromagnetic field (EMF) is a potential risk factor for developing leukemia. Several large studies are in progress at this time to further investigate this question. EMFs are a type of energy that occurs near very high-voltage power lines.

Symptoms of Leukemia
There are two major subtypes of leukemia: (i) lymphocytic leukemia, which involves white blood cells of the lymphoid subtype, and (ii) myelogenous leukemia, which involves white blood cells of the myeloid subtype. Both lymphoid and myeloid cells are critical components of the mature immune system.Such symptoms are not sure signs of leukemia. An infection or another problem also could cause these symptoms. Anyone with these symptoms should see a doctor as soon as possible. Only a doctor can diagnose and treat the problem.

Doctors may find chronic leukemia during a routine exam before any symptoms arise. This form of leukemia may develop over longer periods covering months or years before symptoms are apparent. When symptoms do appear, they tend to be mild and worsen gradually.

Treatment of Leukemia
Stem cell transplantation (SCT) to enable treatment with high doses of chemotherapy and radiation therapy; andSurgery to remove an enlarged spleen or to install a venous access device (large plastic tube) to give medications and withdraw blood samples.

Radiation therapy. Radiation therapy uses X-rays or other high-energy rays to damage leukemia cells and stop their growth. You may receive radiation in one specific area of your body where there is a collection of leukemia cells, or you may receive radiation directed at your whole body. Leukemia patients often find it helpful to take a family member or close friend along to these consultations in order to take notes and assist in remembering some of the points of the discussion. For children with leukemia, such is always the case.