Leukemia is a cancer that begins in blood-forming tissues, such as those in your bone marrow. With this type of cancer, your bone marrow produces an abnormally high number of white blood cells that do not function properly. They eventually outnumber healthy white blood cells. Your white blood cells play an important role in your immunity and help you heal from illnesses.
Leukemia accounts for an estimated 3% of all cancer cases and nearly 4% of all cancer deaths in the United States. Knowing more about its risk factors and symptoms may empower you to take steps that can reduce your risk and to seek treatment early on to potentially delay its progression.
Types of Leukemia
There are several types of leukemia, all of which have different outlooks and treatment options. The more common types are:
- Acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL). ALL starts in lymphoid cells, or in the blood marrow where blood cells are created. It is more common in children than in adults.
- Acute myelogenous leukemia (AML). AML starts in myeloid cells and can grow in both children and adults.
- Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). CLL starts in white blood cells in the bone marrow and is more common in adults than in children.
- Chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML). CML starts in myeloid cells in the bone marrow and represents about 15% of leukemia cases in adults.
What Causes Leukemia?
Leukemia occurs when the cells in your bone marrow undergo certain changes in their DNA that cause them to grow abnormally and uncontrolled. Anyone can develop leukemia, though certain factors may increase your risk. Risk factors for leukemia include:
- Genetic disorders, such as Down syndrome
- Previous cancer treatment, such as chemotherapy and radiation therapy
- Smoking
- Family history of leukemia
- Exposure to toxic chemicals, such as benzene
Symptoms of Leukemia
Signs and symptoms of leukemia vary based on its type. However, not everyone with leukemia may experience symptoms, especially in its early stages. Common symptoms of leukemia include:
- Fatigue or extreme tiredness
- Fever or chills
- Night sweats
- Easy bleeding or bruising
- Loss of appetite
- Unexplained weight loss
- Petechiae, or tiny red dots under the skin
- Frequent infections or illnesses
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Frequent nosebleeds
- Bone pain or tenderness
Leukemia Screening and Diagnosis
A complete blood count (CBC) test can show whether you have leukemia. CBC tests are usually performed as part of a routine physical or wellness exam with your primary care provider. Other methods your doctor may use to diagnose leukemia include:
- A physical exam to check for swollen lymph nodes or petechiae
- A review of your personal and family medical history
- A bone marrow test, which involves removing a small sample of marrow from your hip using a long, thin needle
- Genetic testing
- A spinal tap, which involves removing a sample of your spinal fluid using a long, thin needle
- X-ray
- MRI
- CT scan
Treatments for Leukemia
Leukemia may be treated using one or several interventions. The type of treatment you receive will depend on your type of leukemia, as well as its stage and location. Common treatments for leukemia include:
- Chemotherapy. This treatment involves the use of one or more FDA-approved drugs that can destroy leukemia cells. The type of chemotherapy drugs you receive will depend on the type of leukemia you have.
- Targeted therapy. This therapy involves the use of medications that target and destroy certain components of leukemia cells, such as specific proteins or enzymes in the cells.
- Radiation therapy. This treatment uses X-ray beams to target and destroy leukemia cells.
- Bone marrow transplant. This treatment involves replacing unhealthy bone marrow by injecting healthy stem cells that support the growth of new, healthy bone marrow. The stem cells may come from a healthy donor or from your own body.
- Immunotherapy. This therapy involves the use of drugs that help your immune system fight and destroy the cancer.
When to See Your Doctor
Make an appointment with your doctor if you think you may have leukemia based on your signs and symptoms, or if you meet one or more risk factors. You may not be able to modify certain risk factors for leukemia, such as a family history of leukemia or a genetic disorder. However, not smoking can reduce your risk, as can avoiding toxic chemicals like benzene that are linked to this cancer.
Signs and symptoms of leukemia are similar to those of many other health conditions, which is why it’s important to see your doctor. Your doctor can perform the necessary diagnostic testing to identify the root cause of your symptoms and discuss all your available treatment options.
Resource Links
- “Cancer Stat Facts: Leukemia” via National Cancer Institute
- “Leukemia” via American Cancer Society
- “Leukemia” via MedlinePlus