Leukemia is a blood cancer. The white blood cells proliferate excessively and invade the bone marrow. The weakened immune system, infections are more frequent. Lymph nodes, spleen and other organs can be invaded by cancer cells.
Leukemia is treated with chemotherapy to destroy abnormal cells. This treatment requires hospitalization. Chemotherapy also affects bone marrow cells, scalp and the gastrointestinal tract. Side effects include vomiting and hair loss.
The cause of leukemia in most cases is unknown. In some cases, the patient has a family history or genetic abnormality. Overexposure to radiation can be (rarely) cause leukemia.
There are four types of leukemia according to the type of white blood reached and how quickly multiply: acute, chronic lymphocytic, acute myelogenous and chronic lyéloïde.
Acute leukemia is most common in children. It grows rapidly. The chances of recovery are 80%.
Chronic lymphocytic leukemia is the most common and affects people over 50 years. There is no major change in the blood. This type of leukemia develops slowly.
22 avril 2010
| The text above is for information purposes only. Only a doctor can diagnose a disease. No treatment (medication or scheme) should be undertaken without consulting a health professional. |