Treatment of Leukemia
What is leukemia?
Leukemia is a type of blood cancer. As the 10th most common cancer in the United States, leukemia is marked by the uncontrolled, rapid growth of abnormal white blood cells in the bone marrow. Most of the body’s blood develops in the bone marrow. Unlike many other types of cancers, leukemia does not create a mass, so it does not appear in imaging tests, like in X-rays or CT scans.
Many types of leukemia exist. Some forms of leukemia are even more common in children, while other forms of leukemia occur in adults. The four main types of leukemia include the following:
- Acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL): The most common type of leukemia in children, teens and young adults up to 39 years old.
- Acute myelogenous leukemia (AML): The most common type of acute leukemia in adults that are typically over the age of 65.
- Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL): The most common type of chronic leukemia in adults over the age of 65. Symptoms may not appear for several years.
- Chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML): More common in older adults over the age of 65 and rarely occurs in children. Symptoms may not appear for several years.
What are the risk factors for leukemia?
Leukemia can affect anyone, but it is most commonly diagnosed in people over the age of 65. Men are more likely to develop this type of cancer than women. Leukemia can also be diagnosed in children and teens. Factors that can raise the risk of leukemia include:
- Previous cancer treatment.
- History of smoking or exposure to second-hand smoking.
- Exposure to industrial chemicals.
- Genetic disorders, such as neurofibromatosis, Klinefelter syndrome, Schwechman-Diamond syndrome, and Down syndrome.
- Family history of leukemia.
How is leukemia diagnosed?
Before symptoms even begin, doctors can find chronic leukemia in routine bloodwork. A complete blood count (CBC) is the most common test performed and measures white blood cells, red blood cells, platelets, hemoglobin concentration, and hematocrit concentration. Results from routine bloodwork can often alert your health care provider that you may need further testing. If this happens or if you have signs that suggest leukemia, your health care provider may advise the further diagnostic tests:
- Physical exams: Used to look for symptoms like pale skin from anemia, swelling of lymph nodes and enlargement of the liver or spleen.
- Blood tests: These can show the presence of leukemia cells.
- Bone marrow tests: This is when a sample of bone marrow is taken to be tested to find leukemia cells and to determine treatment options.
What are the signs of leukemia?
Leukemia symptoms can vary based on the type of leukemia. Common signs and symptoms of leukemia can include the following:
- Fever or chills.
- Persistent fatigue or weakness.
- Frequent or severe infections.
- Weight loss.
- Swollen lymph nodes, enlarged liver or spleen.
- Easy bleeding or bruising.
- Tiny red spots on the skin (petechiae).
- Bone pain or tenderness.
- Recurrent nosebleeds.
What are treatment options for leukemia?
The Hematology Oncology Multidisciplinary Team at Karmanos Cancer Institute will design a treatment plan specific to your diagnosis. Treatments for leukemia will vary based on the type and characteristics of the leukemia. You and your cancer care team will work together to decide on the best, personalized treatment plan for you.
Early detection is one of the most powerful weapons in the fight against cancer.
Information about leukemia, causes, risk factors, diagnosis and treatment.