Causes and risk factors:
The exact cause of leukemia is not known however it has been postulated that the white blood cells undergoes uncontrolled and abnormal multiplication, these multiplied cells then accumulate and further hamper the production of healthy cells. Certain risk factors have been put forth. Genetic and familial inheritances are the major contributing factors. Person exposed to high levels of radiation or those undergoing radiotherapy for cancer present somewhere else in the body can pose a risk of developing leukemia. Although research is still going on in this regards it has been postulated that exposure to low levels of radiation like that used in CT scan or X-ray can also contribute to the causation. An individual with a weak immune system becomes more susceptible for developing cancer.
Clinical presentations:
There are different types of leukemia- acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) and chronic lymphoblastic leukemia (CLL), acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and chronic myeloid leukemia (CML). Symptoms are seen depending upon the type of leukemia. Many patients remain asymptomatic in the early stages. Later affection of the blood cells leads to anemia resulting in weakness and fatigue. Fever, chills, easy bruising, bone pain, excessive sweating and bleeding from nose occurs. Tiny bluish red spots are seen under the skin (petechiea) is seen. On examination lymph nodes are enlarged .Nausea, excessive thirst, loss of appetite, constipation are the accompanying symptoms. Patients become vulnerable for recurrent infection.
Diagnosis and investigations:
Diagnosis is done on the basis of the symptoms narrated by the patient and the examination carried out by the doctor. Certain sets of investigations can be advised. Routine blood test and Biopsies of the bone marrow are the diagnostic tests. Skeletal MRI and CT scan is advised. A complete scan (PET scan) of the body along with urine analysis, serum electrolyte, serum calcium, renal function test can also be recommended.
Treatment:
Asymptomatic patient usually do not need any treatment however periodic checkup and follow ups for monitoring is necessary. Chemotherapy is the initial choice of treatment in symptomatic patients. Medications like high dose steroids and other therapeutic drugs are advised. Stem cell transplantation for replacing the diseases bone marrow can be done.
Other modes of treatment:
The other modes of treatment can also be effective. Homoeopathy is a science which deals with individualization and considers a person in a holistic way. This science can be helpful in combating the symptoms.
Recent update:
Researchers at the University of Southern California and the University of Illinois have invented a drug “smart bomb drug”designed to attack the most common and deadly form of childhood cancer, B-lineage acute lymphoblastic leukemia.
