Leukaemia is rapid cancer and the symptoms begin to accelerate quickly as compared to other can- cers. Hence, the following signs and symptoms should not be avoided:
- Anaemia due to impaired RBC production
- Frequent infections
- Persistent tiredness, dizziness, shortness of breath, and paleness
- Frequent bruising
- Unexplained bleeding
- Bone or joint pain
- Chest pain
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Abdominal pain
- Swollen spleen or fiver
The exact cause of leukaemia is not known. The possible causes, however, include:
- Poor immunity
- Infections
- Exposure to harmful chemicals
- Exposure to harmful radiation
- Genetic disorders
- Family history
Leukaemia is diagnosed by evaluating blood and bone marrow samples. It involves the following tests:
- Full blood count: A full blood count of complete blood count is performed to evaluate the level of blood cells in the body
- Bone marrow examination: A small sample from bone marrow is collected and examined for the number and type of cells present
- Other tests: Once leukaemia is confirmed, other special tests such as immune-phenotyping, cytogenetic and molecular tests are conducted. These tests further confirm the cancer stage. Furthermore, a small sample of cerebrospinal fluid is also extracted to check the presence of cancerous cells brain and spinal cord
Leukaemia is an aggressive cancer. Hence, it has to be diagnosed and treated as soon as possible. The treatment strategy for cancer depends on the stage of cancer and the age of the patient. The treatment includes:
Chemotherapy: A combination of anti-cancer drugs is administered in multiple cycles for a certain period. This is done to destroy all leukaemic cells. The phases of chemotherapy include:
- Induction phase: In this phase, the drugs are administered intensively to destroy the cancerous cells and restore normal function. It may last between 1-2 months
- Consolidation phase: In this phase, the drugs are administered to destroy the remaining cancerous cells. It may also last for 1-2 months.
- Maintenance phase: In this phase, the drugs are administered to prevent relapse. A low dose of drugs is administered to patients which helps them in leading cancer-free life.
Bone marrow transplantation: This surgery is usually preferred when the chances of relapse are very high. In this procedure, the damaged or cancerous bone marrow is replaced with a healthy one from a donor to restore the normal production of blood cells.
Targeted therapy: In this therapy, certain molecules present in the leukaemic cells are targeted to prevent them from spreading.
