LEUKEMIA [Video]

Leukemia is a type of cancer that affects the blood and bone marrow, where blood cells are produced. It originates in the bone marrow, the spongy tissue inside bones, where abnormal white blood cells, known as leukemia cells, multiply uncontrollably. These abnormal cells crowd out healthy blood cells, leading to an imbalance in the blood’s composition.

There are different types of leukemia, classified based on how quickly the disease progresses and the type of blood cells affected. The main types include:

1. Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL): This type of leukemia progresses rapidly, affecting white blood cells called lymphocytes, which are crucial for the immune system.

2. Acute myeloid leukemia (AML): AML is another rapidly progressing type of leukemia that affects myeloid cells, which give rise to red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets.

3. Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL): CLL progresses slowly and primarily affects mature white blood cells called lymphocytes.

4. Chronic myeloid leukemia (CML): CML progresses slowly and affects myeloid cells, particularly a type of white blood cell called granulocytes.

Symptoms of leukemia may vary depending on the type and stage of the disease but can include fatigue, weakness, frequent infections, fever, easy bruising or bleeding, swollen lymph nodes, and unexplained weight loss.

Treatment for leukemia typically involves chemotherapy, targeted therapy, radiation therapy, and stem cell transplantation. The choice of treatment depends on factors such as the type of leukemia, its stage, and the patient’s overall health. While leukemia can be a challenging disease to manage, advances in medical research have led to improved treatment outcomes and increased survival rates for many patients.