Leukemia is an umbrella term used to describe different blood cancers. One can diagnose a particular form of leukemia based on which blood cells are affected and how quickly these affected cells spread across the body. Leukemia is most prevalent in adults over 55, but children may also get it. Although there is no cure, one can manage the condition with treatment if detected in time. Below is a general overview of leukemia.

Symptoms of leukemia
Here is a list of some common signs associated with leukemia that should not be ignored:

Frequent infections
The white blood cells (WBCs) support the immune system and help counter infections. In leukemia, the body does not produce sufficient WBCs, so they do not work as they should. This increases a person’s risk of infections.

Improper blood clotting
Those with the condition might bleed or bruise easily, and the healing process is slow. Poor blood clotting is more common in a particular type of leukemia called acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL). Patients usually experience frequent nosebleeds and bleed profusely even with a minor cut.

Anemia
Leukemia leads to anemia, a condition where the body stops making enough red blood cells (RBCs). RBCs have a protein called hemoglobin, responsible for carrying oxygen to different body parts. Due to low RBC levels, the patient’s hemoglobin count also decreases, making the skin look pale and breathing difficult.

Weight changes
Leukemia can cause the liver and spleen to become enlarged. This makes a person feel full. Consequently, they start eating less, resulting in decreased body weight. A drop in weight may occur even when there is no spleen damage.

Headaches
When cancerous cells enter the central nervous system (CNS), it might lead to a constant headache. Headaches could also be a result of low oxygen supply to the brain.

Besides those mentioned above, a few other symptoms associated with leukemia include fever, nausea, flu-like symptoms, night sweats, chills, tiredness, and bone pain.

Causes of leukemia
There is no clear answer to what causes leukemia. Doctors say a combination of environmental and genetic factors may be responsible. Typically, leukemia occurs when the DNA of a bone marrow cell mutates. The DNA holds the instructions that govern the cell’s functioning. Simply put, the DNA tells the cell to grow at a certain pace and die. But DNA mutations in leukemia cause the blood cells to grow and divide uncontrollably. Abnormal and unhealthy cells outnumber healthy ones in the bone marrow, and one starts experiencing the signs of leukemia.

Risk factors for leukemia
While the main cause of the condition may be unknown, some risk factors certainly increase one’s susceptibility. These include:

Genetic disorders
Genetic abnormalities like Down syndrome play a severe role in the development of leukemia. Li-Fraumeni syndrome is another condition that can increase one’s risk.

Previous cancer treatment
People exposed to radiation or chemotherapy in the past for other cancer treatments are more susceptible to leukemia and other forms of cancer.

Familial link
If an individual’s close family member has a history of leukemia, their risk heightens. Such individuals should be more alert and go for regular scanning if required.

Exposure to specific chemicals
Exposure to chemicals like benzene heightens the risk of some types of leukemia. The risk is higher in cases of long-term exposure.

Diagnosis of leukemia
Doctors may diagnose the condition using one or a combination of the following tests:

Blood tests
A complete blood test assesses the number of different cells in the blood, such as RBCs, WBCs, and platelets, and their maturity. It helps check any signs of immature or unusual cells.

Imaging tests
Tests like CT scans, PET scans, and MRI scans also help with a leukemia diagnosis. These provide images of different body organs to determine how far the cancerous cells have spread.

Spinal tap
In this test, fluid from the spinal cord called cerebral spinal fluid (CSF) is collected and examined to check the spread of leukemia. The test is also known as a lumbar puncture.

Bone marrow biopsy
In a bone marrow biopsy, doctors extract bone marrow fluid using a long needle to determine the type and severity of leukemia.

Treatment of leukemia
Hematologist-oncologists are doctors who specialize in treating different types of blood cancers. They prescribe a treatment option for leukemia depending on the cancer stage and type, patient’s age, and other factors. The popular choices include chemotherapy, targeted therapy, radiation therapy, and immune therapy. Sometimes, stem cell transplantation is used, where the doctor replaces the patient’s bone marrow. It is also known as bone marrow transplantation.