Leukemia is a form of cancer of the blood and bone marrow. The marrow can no longer produce normal blood cells-red and white cells. Anemia is a deficiency of red blood cells which most leukemia patients develop. Lack of white blood cells, impairs the body to fight infections
Mostly males get leukemia. There is a higher risk of leukemia in down syndrome patients or those who have genetic abnormalities. A risk factor of leukemia is exposure to x-rays. Leukemia may also occur as a side effect to other cancer treatments.
Symptoms may include fatigue, paleness, weight loss, repeated infections, fever, bruising easily, and nosebleeds or other hemorrhages. In children, these symptoms can appear suddenly.
Leukemia is difficult to diagnose early because the symptoms are like many other less serious conditions. Tests may include blood, bone marrow aspiration and bone marrow biopsy.
Chemotherapy is the most effective treatment. Antibiotics and transfusions of blood are also used as treatments. In some conditions, bone marrow or stem cell transplantation may be useful for treating some forms of leukemia.
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