Cancer of the blood-forming tissues including the lymphatic system and bone marrow. Adults and children are equally affected by leukemia, which is characterized by the production of abnormal white blood cells by the bone marrow. Leukemia is completely curable in its early stages, says Dr. Dodul Modal Best Leukemia Specialist in Delhi NCR.
Cause
Leukemia is characterized by abnormal white blood cells that outcompete normal cells including white blood cells (WBCs), red blood cells (RBCs), and platelets. There are different types of leukemia. In the case of acute leukemia, abnormal blood cells multiply rapidly.
Symptoms
The following symptoms are seen in people affected by leukemia:
- Fever or chills
- Persistent tiredness, weakness
- Frequent or severe infections
- Lose weight without trying
- Swollen lymph nodes, enlarged liver or spleen
- Easy bleeding or bruising
- Recurrent hemorrhage
- Small red spots on your skin (petechiae)
- Excessive sweating, especially at night
- Bone pain or tenderness
Looking at the symptoms, it is difficult to differentiate between leukemia and the flu or other common diseases. A range of genetic and environmental factors are responsible for the development of leukemia.
Risk Factors and Complications
The following conditions put you at risk of developing certain types of leukemia.
- Previous cancer treatment
- Genetic disorder
- Exposure to certain chemicals
- Cigarette smoking
- Family history of leukemia
- Testing and diagnosis
Chronic leukemia can be found during routine blood tests, after which the doctor may recommend further tests. Physical examination includes observation of the skin, swelling of the lymph nodes, and enlargement of the spleen and liver. Blood tests show abnormal growth of white blood cells or platelets. In a bone marrow test, a long and thin needle is used to extract bone marrow for laboratory tests. In laboratory tests, the bone marrow is studied for the presence of leukemia cells.
Treatment and Drugs
The stage of leukemia decides the treatment process. Some common treatments for leukemia are chemotherapy, biological therapy, targeted therapy, radiation therapy, and stem cell transplantation.
In chemotherapy, several drugs (tablets and injections) are used to kill leukemia cells. Whereas in targeted therapy, the weaknesses within the cancer cells are targeted.
In radiation therapy, leukemia cells are destroyed with high radiation. The precision and accuracy of treatment help to target all leukemia cells. In stem cell transplantation, diseased bone marrow is replaced with healthy bone marrow.
Before the stem cell transplant process begins, a high dose of radiation is given to destroy the leukemia cells in the bone marrow. The diseased bone marrow is then replaced with healthy bone marrow. Healthy stem cells are taken either from the patient’s own body or from others.
If you find any of the above-mentioned Symptoms of Leukemia then Book an Appointment with the Best Leukemia Specialist in Delhi NCR.
Read More: https://sevenarticle.com/clinical-pediatric-immunologist-in-delhi/