Leukemia is a sort of cancer of the blood and marrow. The disease is
characterized through the overproducing of immature blood cells (stem
cells) that aren’t able to fully develop and carry out the activities
of normal blood cells.
Each type of mature blood cells has specific traits and roles inside
the body. White blood cells or leukocytes have an important role in the
immune system, contributing to overcome infections. White blood cells
also help in healing flesh wounds and cuts. Red blood cells or
erythrocytes contain hemoglobin, which has a great importance in
transporting oxygen to the cells within the organism. Red blood cells
are vital for the process of cell respiration, carrying oxygen to cells
and removing carbon dioxide from them. Platelets have an important role
in repairing damage at the level of blood vessels, accumulating to seal
any cuts or tares.
Leukemia leads to the accumulation and crowding of diseased stem cells
at the level of the bone marrow, which decreases the normal production
of healthy blood cells. The lack of normal blood cells leads to the
appearance of leukemia symptoms. It is important to understand that
despite the fact that leukemia causes an over production of white blood
cells, these cells are immature and can’t substitute for normal blood
cells. Due to this, the body is exposed to many forms of infection.
The most common leukemia symptoms are: anemia (insufficient number of
red blood cells in the bloodstream), risks of bleeding (insufficient
number of platelets in the bloodstream), nose bleeding, bleeding of the
oral cavity, predisposition to bruising, high exposure to infections
due to lack of white blood cells, improper healing.
Other leukemia symptoms may be fatigue, lack of concentration, poor
psychical performance, fever, loss of appetite and weight loss.
In the case of chronic leukemia, which facilitates the accumulation of
diseased blood cells in different places inside the body, the leukemia
symptoms may be migraines, insomnia, decreased vision and hearing, loss
of balance, faints and seizures. Some of these leukemia symptoms need
immediate medical intervention, as they may lead to further
complications.
Sometimes people with leukemia may have enlarged liver and spleen,
causing abdominal swelling or enlarged lymph nodes. The body glands of
the organism can also be affected by leukemia.
Leukemia symptoms have a non-specific character. This means that they
can be misleading in establishing an appropriate diagnose, as they may
also occur in the cases of other diseases. Medical professionals are
the only persons able to distinguish leukemia from other illnesses with
resembling symptoms. Proper diagnose is very important in order to
quickly begin the administration of specific treatment. Blood analysis
and careful body examinations can reveal the presence of leukemia.
Leukemia is considered to have a high rate of mortality and although
the disease can be overcome through treatment and therapy, it can cause
death if its presence is not noticed in time. Therefore, prompt
intervention is required for leukemia, regardless of its type.
