What Is Leukemia?
Understanding, Diagnosis, and Treatment Options
Leukemia is a type of cancer that affects the blood and bone marrow, where blood cells are produced. It occurs when the body creates an abnormal amount of immature or faulty white blood cells, interfering with the production of healthy blood cells. Leukemia can also begin in other blood cell types.1
Symptoms and Diagnosis
The symptoms of leukemia can vary depending on the type and progression of the disease, but often include persistent fatigue, frequent or severe infections, unexplained fever, night sweats, and significant weight loss. Some may also experience unusual bleeding or bruising, including nosebleeds or bleeding gums, and swollen lymph nodes or a feeling of fullness due to an enlarged spleen or liver.2
Diagnosing leukemia typically involves a thorough evaluation with blood tests to detect abnormalities in white blood cell counts and other blood components. A bone marrow biopsy may also be conducted to confirm the presence of leukemia cells.
Types of Blood Cancer
Leukemia is categorized into several types based on its progression and the cells it impacts. Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia (ALL) and Acute Myelogenous Leukemia (AML) are fast-progressing forms that require immediate treatment, whereas Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL) and Chronic Myelogenous Leukemia (CML) develop more slowly, often allowing for different management approaches.3
Treatment Options
The treatment of leukemia depends on several factors, including the type and stage of cancer, as well as the overall health of the patient. Our dedicated team of cancer care specialists will work closely with you to develop a personalized treatment plan that best suits your needs.
Chemotherapy
Medications are used to kill cancer cells or prevent them from growing and spreading. Chemotherapy can be given before or after surgery, or in cases where surgery is not an option.
Radiation Therapy
External beam radiation therapy is a common approach that can be used to target and destroy cancer cells. We utilize a linear accelerator, which is a new automated technology that enables us to deliver the most accurate treatments possible.
Targeted Therapy
Utilizes medications that specifically target cancer cells and their unique characteristics, inhibiting their growth and spread.
1American Cancer Society. (n.d.). Leukemia. Cancer.org. https://www.cancer.org/cancer/types/leukemia.html
2Mayo Clinic. (n.d.). Leukemia symptoms and causes. Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/leukemia/symptoms-causes/syc-20374373
3Penn Medicine. (n.d.). Types of leukemia. Penn Medicine. https://www.pennmedicine.org/cancer/types-of-cancer/leukemia/types-of-leukemia
