Leukemia

Leukemia is cancer of the body's blood-forming tissues, including the bone marrow and the lymphatic system. There are several broad categories of blood cells, including red blood cells (RBCs), white blood cells (WBCs), and platelets. Generally, leukemia refers to cancers of the WBCs.

WBCs are a vital part of your immune system. They protect your body from invasion by bacteria, viruses, and fungi, as well as from abnormal cells and other foreign substances. In leukemia, the WBCs don’t function like normal WBCs. They can also divide too quickly and eventually crowd out normal cells.

Symptoms

Leukemia symptoms vary, depending on the type of leukemia. Common leukemia signs and symptoms include:

• Fever or chills

• Persistent fatigue, weakness

• Frequent or severe infections

• Losing weight without trying

• Swollen lymph nodes, enlarged liver or spleen

• Easy bleeding or bruising

• Recurrent nosebleeds

• Tiny red spots in your skin (petechiae)

• Excessive sweating, especially at night

• Bone pain or tenderness

Risk factors for leukemia

The causes of leukemia aren’t known. However, several factors have been identified which may increase your risk. These include:

• a family history of leukemia

• smoking, which increases your risk of developing acute myeloid leukemia (AML)

• genetic disorders such as Down syndrome

• blood disorders, such as myelodysplastic syndrome, which is sometimes called “preleukemia”

• previous treatment for cancer with chemotherapy or radiation

• exposure to high levels of radiation

• exposure to chemicals such as benzene

When to see a doctor

Make an appointment with your doctor if you have any persistent signs or symptoms that worry you.

Leukemia symptoms are often vague and not specific. You may overlook early leukemia symptoms because they may resemble symptoms of the flu and other common illnesses.

Rarely, leukemia may be discovered during blood tests for some other condition.

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Address: 2225 Williams Trace Boulevard, Ste 109, Sugar Land, Texas, 77478

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