Leukemia

Leukemia is a form of cancer that affects the blood and bone marrow. The type of leukemia that is diagnosed is based on the type of cell that is affected and the maturation of that cell. Some forms of leukemia are more common in children, and some occur mostly in adults. The cause of leukemia is unknown, but certain factors may increase the risk.

Risks can include smoking, chemotherapy, radiation exposure, blood disorders, certain chemicals (like benzene), known family history, and rare congenital diseases. Individuals with leukemia generate an excessive quantity of abnormal white blood cells, which are essential for fighting infections. With the abnormal cells in leukemia, these cells do not perform their intended function.

The four major types of leukemia include:

  • Acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL): This is the most common type found in young children but can also occur in adults.
  • Acute myelogenous leukemia (AML): This is a common type occurring in both children and adults and is the most frequent acute type observed in adults.
  • Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL): This is the most common chronic adult type in adults. Patients with CLL may feel well for years without needing immediate treatment.
  • Chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML): This type mainly affects adults. Patients with CML may experience few or no symptoms for months or years before progressing to a phase in which the leukemia cells grow more quickly.

Leukemia presents unique characteristics and treatment approaches. Understanding the specific type of leukemia is needed to determine the most appropriate diagnosis and treatment plan.


Symptoms

The symptoms of leukemia can vary depending on the specific type. Common signs and symptoms include:

  • Bone pain or tenderness
  • Easy bleeding and/or bruising
  • Enlargement of the liver or spleen
  • Excessive sweating, particularly at night
  • Fever, sweating, and chills
  • Frequent or severe infections
  • Unintentional weight loss
  • Pale skin, often resulting from anemia
  • Persistent fatigue and weakness
  • Recurrent nosebleeds
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Tiny red spots and bruises under your skin

Diagnosis

The treatment of leukemia can be complex because it is dependent on the type of leukemia and various other factors. Early symptoms of leukemia may sometimes be mistaken for common illnesses. Sometimes, leukemia is discovered during blood tests conducted for other medical reasons. In certain cases, doctors may identify chronic leukemia in a routine blood test before the symptoms begin.

If you have signs or symptoms that suggest leukemia, you may undergo the following diagnostic exams:

  • Bone marrow test: Your doctor may recommend a bone marrow test, a procedure to remove a sample of bone marrow to examine for leukemia cells.
  • Blood tests: Your doctor may conduct blood tests to determine if you have abnormal levels of red or white blood cells or platelets.
  • Physical exam: Your doctor will perform a physical examination to detect any physical indicators of leukemia.

Treatment

Treatment for leukemia can be complex because it is dependent on the type of leukemia and other factors. At UI Health, we offer valuable resources to help your treatment succeed.

Common treatments used to fight leukemia include:

  • Bone marrow transplant: Also called a stem cell transplant, this procedure replaces unhealthy bone marrow with leukemia-free stem cells.
  • Clinical trials: Involve experiments to test new treatments and innovating existing treatments.
  • Chemotherapy: It is a major form of treatment designed to kill leukemia cells.
  • Engineering immune cells to fight leukemia includes (CAR)-T cell therapy, which involves modifying immune cells to target and fight leukemia.
  • Radiation therapy: X-rays or other high-energy beams are used to damage leukemia cells and stop their growth, along with chemotherapy.
  • Targeted therapy: Utilizing targeted drug treatments focusing on specific abnormalities in leukemia cells.
  • UI Health provides comprehensive support and access to these treatment options to help all patients fight leukemia.