Leukaemia
Leukaemia is a type of cancer that affects the blood and bone marrow. The bone marrow is where blood cells, including white blood cells, red blood cells, and platelets, are produced. In leukaemia, the bone marrow produces an excessive amount of abnormal white blood cells, which do not function properly. These abnormal cells crowd out healthy blood cells, leading to the various symptoms of leukaemia. Leukaemia can occur at any age, but certain types are more common in children, while others are more frequent in adults.
There are four main types of leukaemia;
- Acute Lymphocytic Leukaemia (ALL) which is most common in children, but can also occur in adults
- Acute Myeloid Leukaemia (AML) usually affects adults, but can also be diagnosed in children
- Chronic Lymphocytic Leukaemia (CLL) mainly occurs in older adults
- Chronic Myeloid Leukaemia (CML) typically affects adults and develops slowly over time.
SIgns and Symptoms of Leukaemia
The symptoms associated with leukaemia can develop gradually or come on suddenly. Here are some of the key signs and symptoms to watch out for;
- Frequent Infections: White blood cells are essential in fighting infections. Since the abnormal white blood cells in leukaemia do not function properly, individuals with leukaemia are more vulnerable to infections
- Fatigue and Weakness: Leukaemia reduces the body’s ability to produce healthy red blood cells, leading to anaemia (low haemoglobin) causing fatigue and weakness
- Unexplained Bruising or Bleeding: Low platelet counts lead to easy bruising, excessive bleeding or tiny red spots on the skin (also known as petechiae)
- Bone Pain or Tenderness: Leukaemia cells may accumulate in the bone marrow, causing discomfort or pain in bones and joints
- Swollen Lymph Nodes: Some patients with leukaemia might suffer from painless swelling lymph nodes in areas like the neck, armpits, or groin
- Frequent Nosebleeds or Bleeding Gums: Reduced platelet count can result in spontaneous nosebleeds or gum bleeding
- Weight Loss: Sudden, unexplained weight loss can be an early warning sign of leukaemia
Investigations and Tests to Diagnose Leukaemia
- Blood tests to look at the number and morphology of the red and white blood cells as well as platelet counts
- Blood markers & Chromosome Analysis
- Bone marrow biopsy by a haematologist or cancer specialist
Treatment of Leukaemia
Treatment options depend on the type of leukaemia and include chemotherapy, targeted therapy or stem cell transplantation.
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