Leukemia is
a cancer of the early blood-forming cells
. Most often, leukemia is a cancer of the white blood cells, but some leukemias start in other blood cell types.
What is leukemia in simple words?
Listen to pronunciation. (
loo-KEE-mee-uh
) Cancer that starts in blood-forming tissue, such as the bone marrow, and causes large numbers of abnormal blood cells to be produced and enter the bloodstream.
Why does leukemia happen?
Leukemia occurs
when the bone marrow makes abnormal blood cells
, usually white blood cells, which do not function as they should. The abnormal cells survive longer, build up in large numbers, and enter the bloodstream.
Can leukemia be cured?
Leukemia is a type of cancer that affects your blood cells and bone marrow. As with other types of cancer,
there’s currently no cure for leukemia
. People with leukemia sometimes experience remission, a state after diagnosis and treatment in which the cancer is no longer detected in the body.
Where does leukemia start?
Leukemia starts in
the soft, inner part of the bones (bone marrow)
, but often moves quickly into the blood. It can then spread to other parts of the body, such as the lymph nodes, spleen, liver, central nervous system and other organs.
What foods cure leukemia?
- 5 to 10 servings of fruits and vegetables.
- whole grains and legumes.
- low-fat, high-protein foods, such as fish, poultry, and lean meats.
- low-fat dairy.
How long can you live with leukemia?
Today, the average
five-year survival rate
for all types of leukemia is 65.8%. That means about 69 of every 100 people with leukemia are likely to live at least five years after diagnosis. Many people will live much longer than five years. The survival rates are lowest for acute myeloid leukemia (AML).
Which type of leukemia is curable?
While it is similar in many ways to the other subtypes,
APL
is distinctive and has a very specific treatment regime. Treatment outcomes for APL are very good, and it is considered the most curable type of leukemia.
What do leukemia spots look like?
Leukemia cutis appears as
red or purplish red
, and it occasionally looks dark red or brown. It affects the outer skin layer, the inner skin layer, and the layer of tissue beneath the skin. The rash can involve flushed skin, plaques, and scaly lesions. It most commonly appears on the trunk, arms, and legs.
How I found out my son has leukemia?
Childhood leukemia is often found because a child has signs or symptoms that prompt a visit to the doctor. The doctor then orders blood tests, which might point to leukemia as the cause. The best way to find these leukemias early is to pay attention to
the possible signs and symptoms of
this disease.
What are the final stages of leukemia?
- Slow breathing with long pauses; noisy breathing with congestion.
- Cool skin that may turn a bluish, dusky color, especially in the hands and feet.
- Dryness of mouth and lips.
- Decreased amount of urine.
- Loss of bladder and bowel control.
- Restlessness or repetitive, involuntary movements.
Is leukemia a death sentence?
Today, however, thanks to many advances in treatment and drug therapy, people with leukemia- and especially children- have a better chance of recovery. “
Leukemia isn’t an automatic death sentence
,” said Dr. George Selby, assistant professor of medicine at the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center.
How can leukemia be prevented?
There is no known way to prevent leukemia
, but avoiding tobacco and exposure to pesticides and industrial chemicals might help.
Can you have leukemia for years without knowing?
Chronic leukemia involves more-mature blood cells. These blood cells replicate or accumulate more slowly and can function normally for a period of time. Some forms of
chronic leukemia initially produce no early symptoms
and can go unnoticed or undiagnosed for years.
Who is most at risk of leukemia?
Age – Generally speaking,
individuals over the age of 65
are more at risk for leukemia. Demographics – While anyone can conceivably develop leukemia, white males are statistically most susceptible.
What does leukemia fatigue feel like?
Unlike the fatigue that healthy people experience from time to time, CRF is more severe, often described as an overwhelming exhaustion that cannot be overcome with rest or a good night’s sleep. Some people may also describe
muscle weakness
or difficulty concentrating.
