Leukemia is a form of cancer that affects bone marrow and the production of white blood cells. The disease exists in several forms, but is always malignant. Over 30,800 cases are diagnosed in the United States every year. Although the disease is most common in people over the age of sixty, acute leukemia is the most common malignancy in children. Hematopoiesis: Bone Marrow and Blood Cell Production Blood cells... Read more >
The causes of leukemia are complicated, and medical experts cannot pinpoint causes in all cases. Certain external causes, such as radiation or toxic chemicals, explain some cases. Others can be traced to family history or genetic disorders that damage chromosomes. Some cases, however, cannot be traced to any specific cause whatsoever. Genetic Disorders and Family History People who have an immediate family... Read more >
A medical diagnosis for leukemia begins with a medical history and physical exam. The physician compiles a history by noting reported symptoms, and asking questions about recent infections, easy bruising, bone pain and fatigue. The physical exam may reveal signs of swelling in the spleen, liver, or lymph nodes. If a suspicion of leukemia develops from the medical history and results of the physical exam, the... Read more >
Different types of leukemia require different forms of treatment and affect different age groups. Survival rates often vary among the different types. To better understand how each variation of the cancer progresses, you need to know the differences between myeloid and lymphoid cells, and why the acute type spreads faster than chronic varieties. Acute vs. Chronic Very immature cells, called blasts, characterize... Read more >
Any cancer diagnosis requires prompt medical attention from oncology specialists. Oncology is the branch of medicine that studies and treats cancer. Leukemia treatment may be guided by an oncologist, a hematologist (a specialist in blood disorders), or by a specialist in radiation oncology. Pediatric oncology concentrates on treating children who have cancer. Treatment Variables A number of factors influence... Read more >
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