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Leukemia

About Leukemia

Leukemia is a cancer of the blood and bone marrow. Leukemia is divided into four major categories:

Leukemia is characterized by accumulation of functionless cells in the blood and bone marrow. The marrow often can no longer produce enough normal blood cells (red and white) and platelets.  Anemia, a deficiency of red cells, develops in virtually all leukemia patients. The lack of normal white cells impairs the body’s ability to fight infections. A deficiency of platelets will result in patients being susceptible to bruising and easy bleeding.

An estimated 35,000 cases of the various types of leukemia are estimated to be diagnosed in 2005. Contrary to popular conception, leukemia is diagnosed 10 times more often in adults than children.

Risk Factors

Leukemia more commonly occurs in males than in females. Persons with Down syndrome and certain other genetic abnormalities have higher incidence rates of leukemia. Exposure to ionizing radiation (such as X-rays or radon) is a risk factor for several types of leukemia. Leukemia also may occur as a side effect of treatment for other cancers.  Certain leukemias and lymphomas are caused by a retrovirus, human T-cell leukemia/ lymphoma virus-I (HTLV-I).

Signs and Symptoms

The signs and symptoms for lymphomas are often vague. Symptoms may include fatigue, paleness, weight loss, repeated infections, fever, bruising easily, and nosebleeds or other hemorrhages. In children, these symptoms can appear suddenly. Chronic leukemia can progress slowly with few symptoms.

Reference: American Cancer Society - www.cancer.org