LEUKAEMIA

Leukaemia is a type of cancer, which occurs when the bone marrow and other blood-forming organs produce an increased number of immature or abnormal leukocytes. As a result of this condition, the production of normal blood cells is suppressed and, anaemia and some other symptoms occur.

Leukaemia is usually concerned with white blood cells. White blood cells are the cells that fight infections. They divide and grow according to the needs of the body. But when a person has leukaemia, his bone marrow produces abnormal and improperly-functioning white blood cells.

SYMPTOMS

Depending on the type of leukaemia, symptoms may vary. Common signs and symptoms of leukaemia can be listed as:

Fever or chills

Persistent fatigue, weakness

Frequent or severe infections

Losing weight without trying

Swollen lymph nodes, enlarged liver or spleen

Easy bleeding or bruising

Recurrent nosebleeds

Tiny red spots in your skin (petechiae)

Excessive sweating, especially at night

Bone pain or tenderness

CAUSES

Scientific researchers have yet to find an exact answer to explain the causes of leukaemia. It’s suggested that leukaemia is caused both by genetic and environmental factors.

In general, leukemia is thought to occur when some blood cells acquire mutations in their DNA — the instructions inside each cell that guide its action. There may be other changes in the cells that have yet to be fully understood that could contribute to leukemia.

Certain abnormalities cause the cell to grow and divide more rapidly and to continue living when normal cells would die. Over time, these abnormal cells can crowd out healthy blood cells in the bone marrow, leading to fewer healthy white blood cells, red blood cells, and platelets, causing the signs and symptoms of leukemia.

Risk factors

Factors that may increase your risk of developing some types of leukemia include:

Previous cancer treatment. People who've had certain types of chemotherapy and radiation therapy for other cancers have an increased risk of developing certain types of leukemia.

Genetic disorders. Genetic abnormalities seem to play a role in the development of leukemia. Certain genetic disorders, such as Down syndrome, are associated with an increased risk of leukemia.

Exposure to certain chemicals. Exposure to certain chemicals, such as benzene — which is found in gasoline and is used by the chemical industry — is linked to an increased risk of some kinds of leukemia.

Smoking. Smoking cigarettes increases the risk of acute myelogenous leukemia.

Family history of leukemia. If members of your family have been diagnosed with leukemia, your risk of the disease may be increased.

However, most people with known risk factors don't get leukemia. And many people with leukemia have none of these risk factors.

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