Home - health - Leukemia – Silent Signs, Causes, And Management Options
Leukemia – Silent Signs, Causes, and Management Options

Leukemia – Silent Signs, Causes, and Management Options

Leukemia is cancer that affects the blood cells and bone marrow. It is a condition that requires prompt medical attention. While some forms of leukemia can be cured, others may require lifelong treatment to manage symptoms and prolong survival. Some symptoms of leukemia are obvious, such as fatigue and frequent infections, but there are also silent signs that may go unnoticed. Here are some common symptoms, causes, and treatment options for leukemia.

What is leukemia?
Leukemia is a cancer of the blood cells that affects the bone marrow, the spongy tissue inside the bones that produces blood cells. Leukemia occurs when the bone marrow produces abnormal white blood cells, which are known as leukemia cells. These leukemia cells do not function properly and can crowd out healthy blood cells in the bone marrow. This can lead to various health problems, including anemia, infections, and bleeding disorders. There are four main types of leukemia: chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), acute myeloid leukemia (AML), and chronic myeloid leukemia (CML).

Silent signs of leukemia
Bruising and bleeding
Leukemia cells can interfere with the body’s ability to produce platelets responsible for clotting the blood. As a result, people with leukemia may experience bruising and bleeding, even from minor injuries. This can include tiny red or purple skin spots and easy bruising and bleeding from the gums or nose.

Joint pain
Leukemia cells can also accumulate in the joints, which can cause pain and swelling. One may also experience pain in the ribs on the left side.

Abdominal discomfort
Leukemia cells can infiltrate the liver and spleen, which can cause abdominal discomfort. This can include pain or fullness in the abdomen and a feeling of fullness after eating a small amount of food.

Cough
A persistent cough that lasts for weeks and wheezing may be a sign of leukemia, especially CLL.

Shortness of breath and fatigue
Leukemia cells can infiltrate the lungs, which can cause shortness of breath. This can occur even during light physical activity, such as walking up stairs. One may also feel fatigued easily.

Pale skin
Leukemia patients may notice their skin becoming paler than usual.

Fever
People with leukemia may experience fever with chills and sweating due to the disease, infection, or as a side effect of the treatment. Infections may also be slow to go away.

Loss of appetite
Leukemia onset may result in loss of body mass and appetite.

Awareness of the silent signs of leukemia is important because early detection and treatment can improve outcomes. While some of these symptoms may seem minor, they can indicate a more serious underlying condition. If one experiences these signs, it is important to speak with one’s healthcare provider.

What are the causes of leukemia?
In addition to being aware of the signs of leukemia, it is also important to know the risk factors for the disease. Some risk factors for leukemia include:

Exposure to certain chemicals, such as benzene
Exposure to radiation
Genetic factors or abnormalities like down syndrome
Blood disorders like polycythemia vera, idiopathic myelofibrosis, and essential thrombocythemia
Age (leukemia is more common in adults over the age of 60)
If one is aware of these risk factors, it is important to talk to a healthcare provider about screening for leukemia.
Gender (males are likely to develop the condition more than females)

How is leukemia diagnosed?
Leukemia is diagnosed through physical exams, blood tests, and bone marrow biopsies. Doctors may perform a complete blood count (CBC) to look for abnormal numbers of white blood cells, red blood cells, or platelets. They may also examine a sample of bone marrow to look for abnormal cells. Additional tests, such as flow cytometry or genetic testing, may be done to help determine the specific type of leukemia and guide treatment options. Imaging tests, such as CT scans or PET scans, may also be used to assess the extent of the disease.

How is leukemia treated?
The treatment options for leukemia depend on the type and stage of the disease and the person’s overall health. Here are some options for leukemia patients:

Chemotherapy : Chemotherapy works on killing or stunting the growth of cancer cells, and it can be given orally, through an injection, or an IV.

Radiation therapy : This is the use of high-energy radiation to kill cancer cells and is usually combined with chemotherapy.

Stem cell transplant : Also known as bone marrow transplant, this is a procedure in which healthy stem cells are transplanted into the body to replace the diseased bone marrow.

Targeted therapy : This type of treatment targets specific molecules involved in the growth and spread of cancer cells.

Immunotherapy : This type of treatment uses the body’s immune system to fight cancer.

In addition to these treatments, people with leukemia may also need supportive care to manage symptoms and side effects of the treatment. This can include pain management, nutrition support, and psychological support.

FAQs on leukemia
Is leukemia cancer curable?
The chances of curing leukemia depend on factors such as the type of leukemia, the person’s age and overall health, and the stage at which the disease is diagnosed. Types of leukemia, such as acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), have a higher cure rate with current treatments, while others, such as acute myeloid leukemia (AML), have a lower cure rate. However, advances in treatments have greatly improved the chances of curing leukemia in recent years.

What is the survival rate of leukemia?
According to the American Cancer Society’s statistics, the overall five-year survival rate for all types of leukemia combined is approximately 65%. It is important to note that survival rates are only estimates and do not predict the outcome for any person. Many factors can influence survival, including the aggressiveness of the disease and a person’s response to treatment.

Latest Articles

5 smart ways of using tablet computers
Tablets

5 smart ways of using tablet computers

You see tablet computers everywhere. More and more people are now moving toward tablets in offices, coffee shops, homes, and even schools. This is because they offer more power and uses than a smartphone and better portability than a desktop or even a laptop. Tablets have many more uses than simply checking your emails or browsing social media. Here are some interesting ways to find more uses for your tablet computer: Second screen Some people like to work on two screens at a time due to the demand of their work. This also enhances productivity and cuts down on time. It is easy to mirror your Android to another Android or even a computer. To use your tablet as an extended display, you need to install an application on your computer and connect the tablet to it using a USB cable or Wi-Fi. Some of the best app options to do this include Spacedesk, Google Remote Desktop, iDisplay, Duet Display, etc. As a remote to control electronics Tablet computers can be easily used to control your electronics. A tablet is larger than a remote and much easier to find and operate with better features. You can control your PC and television with it. It can also dim your home lights, open your garage door, and operate your smart fridge and washing machine. For instance, if you have a Sony Smart TV, you can use the TV Sideview application for your Apple and Android systems. E-Reader If you are an avid reader and have an old tablet, you don’t need to purchase a new e-reader. Your tablet can easily be used as an e-reader to browse your favorite books, magazines, comic strips, and even news applications. Since tablet screens have more glare, we suggest getting an anti-glare film on the screen.
Ignore these 8 foods when diagnosed with hyperkalemia
health

Ignore these 8 foods when diagnosed with hyperkalemia

Potassium is an essential nutrient that allows your body to function optimally. A meal plan rich in potassium allows proper nerve function and regulates your heartbeat. However, certain conditions such as kidney diseases and consuming food rich in potassium excessively may increase its levels in your bloodstream leading to a condition known as hyperkalemia . Let’s look at foods you should limit to keep your potassium within normal levels. Bananas The first food that comes to mind when people think of potassium sources is bananas. One medium-sized banana contains almost 422 mg of potassium. Though it would take a lot of bananas to cause an overdose of potassium, if you are also eating other foods rich in potassium, it will lead to excessive potassium levels in your blood, which in turn, will trigger hyperkalemia . Tomato Sauce and Paste Raw tomatoes contain a decent amount of potassium. One medium tomato has about 292 mg of potassium. Concentrated forms of tomatoes, such as sauces, salsa, paste, puree, etc., contain even higher amounts of potassium. For instance, a small cup of tomato sauce contains almost 728 mg potassium. So, it is advised to skip tomato sauce and opt for alternatives such as basil or roasted red peppers. Milk If you have been advised a low potassium meal plan, you must avoid milk or at least its consumption needs to be reduced. A cup of whole milk contains around 350 mg of potassium. The lower the amount of fat in milk, the higher the potassium content. While you may have a small serving of milk daily, it should not exceed 300 ml. It means avoiding milk and dairy products such as buttermilk, yogurt, milk-based sweets, ice creams, and other desserts. Oranges and Orange Juice Oranges have a very high potassium content and are best avoided if diagnosed with hyperkalemia .
7 mistakes to avoid when buying a new computer
Tech

7 mistakes to avoid when buying a new computer

With all the options of computer brands available in the market today, you might think it is effortless to pick up one. However, with so many choices, it can get tricky as buying a computer is a hefty, long-term investment. That’s why you should be aware of some common buying mistakes people would make while purchasing this device. And so, here are a few things to avoid before you invest in a computer : Buying without knowing your needs Never buy a computer just because everyone is buying it or there’s a lot of hype around it. While you may want to prioritize aesthetics and popularity, you need to identify your need for a computer and its software . Make a list of all the features that you would need and get the computer configured accordingly. Unfamiliar with different software programs Not knowing the right software may cost you heavily. Purchasing expensive software with a long list of features may not be the best thing to do if half of these features don’t even apply to your work. Next, know how to install and use the software. You also need to know if the software is protected against bugs with an antivirus program and consider the after-sale service of the software. Not considering different operating systems There are four primary operating systems you should know – Microsoft, Apple, Google, and Linux. While technology has made it easier to switch between these operating systems, you may often find one or more applications not working on alternative systems. So, if you have an expensive software installed, check with your developer if it will be compatible with the OS you plan to get. Not accounting for other computer costs A common mistake made by many while purchasing a computer is not accounting for other costs that are part of the bundle.