Leukemia is a cancer of blood forming cells in the bone marrow. These deranged, immature cells accumulate in the blood and within organs. Are unable to perform normal functions of blood cells. Normal blood contains 3 major categories of cells: white blood cells, red blood cells and platelets. All three types of blood cells develop from a type of immature cells, called the blood / bone marrow, a process called hematopoiesis.
In leukemia, the bone marrow produces large numbers of abnormal white blood cells. They look different from normal blood cells do not function properly. Finally, block production of normal white blood cells, impairing your ability to fight infections. Leukemia cells also crowd out other types of blood cells produced by the bone marrow, such as red blood cells that carry oxygen to body tissues, and platelets that help blood clot.
The causes of leukemia
Acute leukemia: acute leukemia, the abnormal blood cells are immature blood cells (blasts). They can not do their normal work, and multiply rapidly, so the disease worsens quickly. Acute leukemia requires aggressive, early treatment.
Viruses: human T-cell leukemia virus I (HTLV-I) associated with acute T-cell leukemia This type of leukemia is well documented in some parts of the Caribbean and Asia, but is rare in the United States and Europe. Superior also leukemia have been reported in workers exposed to animal viruses (eg butchers, abattoirs workers, veterinarians).
Chronic leukemia: This type of leukemia associated with the more mature blood cells. These blood cells replicate or accumulate more slowly and can not function normally, and time. Some forms of chronic leukemia produce signs or symptoms and may go unnoticed or undiagnosed for years.
Genetics-Leukemia risk increases 15 times in children with Down syndrome, a chromosomal abnormality that is genetically linked (usually an extra copy of chromosome 21). Three rare inherited disorders, Fanconi anemia, Bloom syndrome and ataxia telangiectasia, also have an increased risk of leukemia.
The treatment of leukemia
Chemotherapy: Chemotherapy is the main form of leukemia. This treatment uses chemicals to kill leukemia cells. Depending on the type of leukemia you have, you may receive a drug or a combination of one or more drugs. These medications can come in pill form, or may be injected directly into a vein.
Interferon: Interferons are a class of proteins that are released by cells infected by viruses. They help normal cells to produce antiviral proteins. Interferons also help the body to reduce leukemia cell proliferation (growth and reproduction), while increasing the body's immune response.
Inhibitors: For most of CML, the drug imatinib mesylate (Gleevec) is the first line of treatment. Imatinib mesylate is an anticancer drug called an aromatase inhibitor. It 'was specifically developed to prevent the protein Bcr-Abl, and has proven to be effective in the treatment of the initial phase of CML. Several newer inhibitors are under development.
Surgery is not generally used to treat leukemia. Sometimes a person with leukemia has spread to the spleen is removed spleen. This usually occurs only if the spleen is so large that it creates problems for the neighboring organs.
Radiation therapy: Radiation therapy uses x-rays or other high-energy rays to damage leukemia cells and stop their growth. You can receive radiation in a specific area of the body where there is a collection of leukemia cells, or may receive radiation directed at your body.
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