Leukemia is a class of cancer that appears in the blood and begins in the bone marrow, a product of abnormal growth of white blood cells. Cancer cells interfere with the normal production of healthy red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets, so the decrease in them causes problems in the transfer of oxygen to the tissues.
Leukemia is considered a type of cancer that most often originates in children under 15 years of age. There are different types of leukemia among which are:
Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL): This is a fast-growing type of cancer in a class of white blood cells called lymphoblasts. It starts when the number of these immature blood cells multiplies.
Acute myeloid (myelogenous) leukemia (AML): is a type of cancer that originates in cells of the myeloid line of leukocytes, it is characterized by the immediate multiplication of abnormal cells that clump together in the bone marrow, hindering the production of normal red blood cells. This kind of leukemia is very common in adults.
Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL): It is characterized by the abnormal production of non-functioning lymphocytes, which are replacing normal cells in the marrow and lymph nodes. These cells hinder the proper functioning of normal lymphocytes, causing a weakening of the patient's immune system.
Chronic myeloid (myelogenous) leukemia (CML): in this case, the cell that causes this disease produces blood cells, red, white and platelets, which apparently function similar to normal cells. However, the production of red blood cells is less than normal, which implies the appearance of anemia. In the case of white blood cells and although their function seems normal, their counts are high and they grow continuously, which can cause many problems if the patient does not receive treatment on time.
The causes that originate the appearance of this disease cannot be determined exactly, however it can be shown that this condition is not contagious and much less hereditary.
The symptoms that occur during the disease may vary depending on the type of leukemia:
Acute myeloid leukemia: loss of appetite, weakness, exhaustion, fever. Chronic myeloid leukemia: tiredness, fever, reluctance to eat, weight loss. Acute lymphocytic leukemia: exhaustion, weakness, dizziness, frequent bleeding from the nose and gums, bruising of the skin, weight loss, fever. Chronic lymphocytic leukemia: presents the same symptoms as acute lymphocytic leukemia, in addition to an increase in lymph nodes.
The diagnosis can be made after performing a series of laboratory tests, chromosomal tests, or through the removal of the cerebrospinal fluid that covers the brain and spinal cord, or by performing a bone marrow biopsy.
The recommended treatment in these cases is the immediate application of chemotherapy, which comprises three phases: induction of remission (lasts between four to five weeks), in this stage the aim is to eliminate as many bad cells as possible. The consolidation phase lasts between two to three weeks and the maintenance phase lasts until the three years of treatment are completed.
There is still no way to prevent the onset of leukemia, although doctors recommend that people lead a healthy life, maintain a diet based on fruits, vegetables, and not consume so many canned foods, among others.
