Leukemia Risk Factors, Diagnosis, and Treatment
Information on this Cancer of the Blood & Bone Marrow
Nov 11, 2009
Leukemia is when an overabundance of abnormal blood cells is created. These abnormal cells can slow the production of normal cells and slow blood flow. Many individuals should start treatment as soon as their symptoms are diagnosed by a professional. Gaining an understanding of which individuals are at risk can help increase vigilance for possible symptoms of the disease in the future.
Risk Factors for Leukemia
While research continues on this issue, currently it is difficult to determine what causes leukemia. Age is not a factor in that both children and adults can get leukemia, although the various forms vary with frequency in different age groups. According to the National Cancer Institute there will be over 44,000 citizens in the United States alone diagnosed with leukemia this year.
Leukemia most often affects those over 60 years old. Both AML and CLL are more often seen in adults while ALL is commonly seen in children. Risk factors are behaviors and environments that can increase the likelihood an individual will develop leukemia. Being a risk factor, it does not mean an individual will develop the disease just because they are at risk.
These factors are:
- chemotherapies - Individuals using this treatment for other forms of cancer are at risk for developing leukemia.
- Down syndrome or other genetic diseases
- Benzene- This is usually associated with unsafe work environments where prolonged exposure can occur.
- tobacco
- radiation
Diagnosis for Leukemia
During a physical exam, a physician may find slightly enlarged organs. This can be a warning of other internal issues. Typically from this point, the physician will run some additional tests. The first test will probably be a simple blood draw. This will enable technicians to complete blood count for leukemia.
If there is a chance that leukemia is present in the blood sample, an additional test will be completed. A bone marrow test is used as a follow up to confirm a diagnosis of leukemia. This can be completed in one of two ways. The first is to take a sample of the bone marrow. The second is the take a small portion of the bone along with bone marrow to test.
Treatment for Leukemia
Once a diagnosis is confirmed, there are several factors that need to be considered. These include the age of the individual, the type of leukemia found, and the general health of the patient. From this point, several forms of treatment could be utilized to see which is the most effective for the individual.
- Chemotherapy uses drugs to directly attack the leukemia cells.
- Targeted therapy attempts to stop the growth of new leukemia cells.
- Radiation therapy uses radiation to kill the leukemia cells.
- Biological therapy attempts to strength the individual’s immune system to fight off the leukemia cells.
- Stem cell therapy replaces cells killed by high by chemotherapy or radiation. These forms can kill normal cells but stem cell therapy can help maintain an individual’s normal cell levels.
It is important to speak with a professional about any health concerns. Depending on the types and stage of the disease, immediate treatment may not be critically needed but the sooner it is started often the better the results.
For more information visit the National Cancer Institute website.
Source:
National Cancer Institute. (n.d.) Leukemia. Retrieved November 11, 2009.
