The term leukemia comes from the Greek words for “white” (leukos) and “blood” (haima).
Leukemia is a cancer of the blood, characterised by the rapid growth of abnormal blood cells.
This uncontrolled growth takes place in the bone marrow, where most of the body’s blood is made.
Leukemia cells are usually developing white blood cells and it is not like other cancers.
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Leukemia does not generally form a mass (tumor) that shows up in imaging tests, such as X-rays or CT scans.
There are many types of leukemia. Some occurs more commonly in children, while others are found in adults.
The treatment of leukemia depends on the type of leukemia and some other factors.
Most literally described, leukemia can be said to be the cancer of the body’s blood-forming tissues which includes the bone marrow and the lymphatic system.
Leukemia usually involves the white blood cells. The white blood cells are infection fighters of the body.
The white blood cells normally grow and divide in an orderly way, as the body needs them. But in people with leukemia, the bone marrow produces an excessive amount of abnormal white blood cells, which do not function properly.
Treatment for leukemia can be complex — depending on the type of leukemia and other factors. However, some strategies and resources can help make treatment successful.
Symptoms of Leukemia
Leukemia symptoms vary, depending on the type of leukemia. Common leukemia signs and symptoms include fever or chills, persistent fatigue, frequent or severe infections, losing weight without trying, swollen lymph nodes, enlarged liver or spleen, easy bleeding or bruising and recurrent nosebleeds .
Leukemia symptoms are often vague and not specific. It is easy to overlook early leukemia symptoms because they may resemble symptoms of the flu and other common illnesses.
