Leukaemia

Leukaemia is a type of cancer that affects the blood and bone marrow, which is the spongy tissue inside bones where blood cells are made. It is characterized by an abnormal increase in white blood cells, which are part of the immune system.

Types of Leukaemia

There are several types of leukaemia, including:

• Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia (ALL): a type of leukaemia that affects the lymphoid cells and progresses quickly.
• Acute Myeloid Leukaemia (AML): a type of leukaemia that affects the myeloid cells and progresses quickly.
• Chronic Lymphocytic Leukaemia (CLL): a type of leukaemia that affects the lymphoid cells and progresses slowly.
• Chronic Myeloid Leukaemia (CML): a type of leukaemia that affects the myeloid cells and progresses slowly.

Symptoms of Leukaemia

The symptoms of leukaemia can vary depending on the type and stage of the disease, but common symptoms include:

• Fatigue or weakness
• Weight loss
• Pale skin
• Shortness of breath
• Frequent infections
• Easy bruising or bleeding
• Pain in the bones or joints
• Swollen lymph nodes
• Splenomegaly (enlargement of the spleen)

Causes and Risk Factors of Leukaemia

The exact cause of leukaemia is not known, but certain risk factors can increase a person's chance of developing the disease, including:

• Genetic disorders, such as Down syndrome
• Exposure to radiation or chemicals
• Previous chemotherapy or radiation therapy
• Family history of leukaemia
• Age (leukaemia is more common in older adults)

Treatments for Leukaemia

The treatment for leukaemia depends on the type and stage of the disease, as well as the person's overall health. Common treatments include:

• Chemotherapy: the use of drugs to kill cancer cells.
• Radiation therapy: the use of high-energy rays to kill cancer cells.
• Bone marrow transplantation: a procedure in which healthy bone marrow is transplanted into the person's body.
• Targeted therapy: the use of drugs that target specific molecules involved in the growth and survival of cancer cells.
• Immunotherapy: the use of drugs that stimulate the immune system to attack cancer cells.
• Stem cell transplantation: a procedure in which healthy stem cells are transplanted into the person's body.

Prognosis and Outlook

The prognosis and outlook for leukaemia vary depending on the type and stage of the disease, as well as the person's overall health. With treatment, many people with leukaemia can achieve remission, which means that the cancer is no longer detectable in the body.