About Leukaemia

Leukaemia is a group of cancers of the bone marrow and blood-forming tissues. For this reason, it is also called blood cancer. Leukaemia arises when the cells of the bone marrow begin to grow and multiply uncontrollably. This cancer is characterised by a rise in abnormally functioning white blood cells (WBCs). While most cancers form tumours or a mass of cells, blood cancer does not.

There are different types of leukaemia; while some occur in children, others are common in adults. Leukaemia treatment options depend upon factors like its type, spread, patient’s age and overall health. It is more common in adults over 55 years and children below 20.

Leukaemia life expectancy is higher for younger individuals, but it also depends upon factors, including the stage of cancer at the time of diagnosis and the patient’s medical history. Some types of leukaemia tend to recur.

Leukaemia symptoms depend upon their type. Though you may not observe any symptoms in the early stages of cancer, some common symptoms of leukaemia are:

  • Generalised weakness and fatigue that doesn’t reduce on resting.
  • Fever or chills.
  • Night sweats.
  • Unexplained weight loss.
  • Pain and tenderness in the bones or joints.
  • Swelling in the lymph nodes (often painless).
  • Headaches.
  • Easy bruising and tiny bleeding points under the skin called petechiae.
  • Shortness of breath.
  • Frequent bouts of infection.

 

Presenting symptoms of leukaemia are not exclusive to cancer, so it may take a while before you are diagnosed with the condition. If your doctor suspects leukaemia based on your symptoms, medical and family history, they may recommend further diagnostic tests like:

  • Blood tests: A complete blood count gives information about the number of white blood cells and their level of maturity.
  • Bone marrow biopsy: A sample of the bone marrow is taken from the pelvic bone using a long needle and sent to the lab for confirmation and staging of leukaemia.
  • Spinal tap: Your doctor collects fluid from the spinal cord to determine the spread of cancer.
  • Imaging tests like CT scan, MRI and PET scan: These imaging tests give your doctor a complete view of the spread of cancer to different parts of the body.

 

Based on your symptoms and diagnostic test results, your oncologist and healthcare determine how to treat leukaemia.

Leukaemia cancer treatment options depend on multiple factors and include:

 

  • Chemotherapy: Powerful drugs are used to kill leukaemic cancer cells. Depending upon the type of leukaemia, one or more drugs may be given in combination. Though chemotherapy and leukaemia may have side effects, it is one of the most effective treatments for this cancer.

 

  • Radiation therapy: This treatment uses strong radiation to kill the leukaemic cells and prevent them from multiplying. Radiation may be given to a specific area or the whole body. This therapy may be combined with chemotherapy to treat advanced or stage 3 and stage 4 leukaemia.

 

  • Immunotherapy: This treatment uses drugs to stimulate your immune system to attack the leukaemic cells.

 

  • Stem cell/bone marrow transplant: A bone marrow transplant replaces the damaged bone marrow with healthy marrow collected from the same patient or a donor.

 

  • Targeted therapy: This treatment uses drugs that target specific sites of the leukaemic cells and kill or prevent their multiplication.

Leukaemia diagnosis can be difficult, and it is natural to have second thoughts or doubts about your diagnosis. If you are unsure about your treatment plan or wish to get another specialist’s view on your condition, ask your doctor for a second opinion. It is always recommended to get a second and sometimes a third opinion about your cancer diagnosis, leukaemia treatment options, treatment plan or prognosis if you are unsure at any point in your cancer journey. 

Need help with a second opinion? Speak to our panel of specialists here!

Symptoms

Diagnosis

Presenting symptoms of leukaemia are not exclusive to cancer, so it may take a while before you are diagnosed with the condition. If your doctor suspects leukaemia based on your symptoms, medical and family history, they may recommend further diagnostic tests like:

  • Blood tests: A complete blood count gives information about the number of white blood cells and their level of maturity.
  • Bone marrow biopsy: A sample of the bone marrow is taken from the pelvic bone using a long needle and sent to the lab for confirmation and staging of leukaemia.
  • Spinal tap: Your doctor collects fluid from the spinal cord to determine the spread of cancer.
  • Imaging tests like CT scan, MRI and PET scan: These imaging tests give your doctor a complete view of the spread of cancer to different parts of the body.

 

Based on your symptoms and diagnostic test results, your oncologist and healthcare determine how to treat leukaemia.

Treatment

Leukaemia cancer treatment options depend on multiple factors and include:

 

  • Chemotherapy: Powerful drugs are used to kill leukaemic cancer cells. Depending upon the type of leukaemia, one or more drugs may be given in combination. Though chemotherapy and leukaemia may have side effects, it is one of the most effective treatments for this cancer.

 

  • Radiation therapy: This treatment uses strong radiation to kill the leukaemic cells and prevent them from multiplying. Radiation may be given to a specific area or the whole body. This therapy may be combined with chemotherapy to treat advanced or stage 3 and stage 4 leukaemia.

 

  • Immunotherapy: This treatment uses drugs to stimulate your immune system to attack the leukaemic cells.

 

  • Stem cell/bone marrow transplant: A bone marrow transplant replaces the damaged bone marrow with healthy marrow collected from the same patient or a donor.

 

  • Targeted therapy: This treatment uses drugs that target specific sites of the leukaemic cells and kill or prevent their multiplication.

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