Leukemia is a type of cancer that begins in the body’s blood-forming tissues, including the bone marrow and lymphatic system.
It disrupts the production of normal blood cells, leading to serious health complications if not diagnosed and treated early.
The disease develops when the bone marrow produces abnormal white blood cells that do not function properly.
These cells multiply uncontrollably, crowding out healthy blood cells and weakening the body’s ability to fight infections.
Types of Leukemia
Doctors classify leukemia by how fast it progresses and the kind of blood cells it affects. The main types include:
- Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia (ALL): Most common in children but can also affect adults.
- Acute Myelogenous Leukemia (AML): Found in both children and adults; the most common acute leukemia in adults.
- Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL): Typically affects adults and can remain unnoticed for years.
- Chronic Myelogenous Leukemia (CML): Develops slowly and mainly affects adults.
Other rare types include hairy cell leukemia, myelodysplastic syndromes, and myeloproliferative disorders.
Symptoms to Watch For
Leukemia symptoms vary but may include persistent fatigue, frequent infections, unexplained weight loss, swollen lymph nodes, easy bruising or bleeding, bone pain, and night sweats.
Because the symptoms often resemble flu or common viral infections, early diagnosis is sometimes delayed.
What Causes Leukemia?
Scientists say the exact cause remains unclear, but the disease is linked to genetic mutations and environmental factors.
Risk factors include:
- Previous chemotherapy or radiation therapy
- Genetic disorders such as Down syndrome
- Exposure to chemicals like benzene
- Cigarette smoking
- Family history of leukemia
Still, the research notes that many patients develop leukemia without any known risk factors.
Diagnosis and Treatment
Doctors may detect leukemia through blood tests, bone marrow examinations, and genetic analysis.
Treatment depends on the specific type and stage of leukemia and the patient’s overall health.
Modern therapies include:
- Chemotherapy to destroy cancer cells
- Targeted drug therapy to block specific cell mutations
- Radiation therapy to control cancer growth
- Bone marrow (stem cell) transplant to rebuild healthy cells
- Immunotherapy and CAR-T cell therapy, which use the body’s immune system to fight cancer
- Participation in clinical trials, offering access to emerging treatments
Leukemia remains one of the most studied cancers globally, with researchers continuing to explore safer and more effective therapies.
