Leukemia is a disease of the blood and bone marrow that occurs on the background of genetic predispositions to cancer.
Leukemia affects the cellular process of maturation, causing the
accumulation of immature blood cells in the spinal marrow and
bloodstream. In some cases leukemia causes the incomplete cells to
multiply very quickly, while in other cases the abnormal blood cells
have prolonged periods of life and persist in different places inside
the body. Incomplete blood cells can’t substitute for normal blood
cells, as they can’t carry out their roles. The cells affected by
leukemia are therefore incompatible with the organism and can cause
serious damage.
Judging by the speed of development and the persistence of the
disorder, there are two types of leukemia: acute leukemia and chronic
leukemia. Judging by the types of stem cells affected by the disorder,
leukemia can either be lymphocytic or myelogenous.
Acute leukemia is different from chronic leukemia by the levels that
stem cells are able to reach in their development (stem cells that
present anomalies still manage to partially develop and either resemble
immature cells or complete, normal white blood cells).
Acute leukemia is a form of cancer that develops very rapidly. It is
manifested through overpopulation of the blood with immature cells that
are unable to fulfill the functions of normal blood cells. In the case
of acute leukemia, the marrow is unable to produce normal quantities of
red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets. Patients who suffer
from leukemia also develop anemia, a deficiency of normal red blood
cells. Also, a decreased number of white blood cells reduces the body’s
ability of overcoming infections, while the lack of platelets
facilitates inflammation and bleeding.
Chronic leukemia tends to develop slower than acute leukemia. In the
case of chronic leukemia, the body is able to produce blood cells that
are more mature than those produced in acute leukemia. Although these
cells may appear incomplete, they can’t fulfill their roles inside the
organism and tend to cluster at different levels of the body. They also
have a longer period of life.
Chronic leukemia of lymphocytic form is known to affect a type of blood
cell called B lymphocyte. The disease weakens the immune system,
interferes in the normal activity of the spinal marrow and facilitates
the access of harmful cells to body organs. Chronic lymphocytic
leukemia first occurs at the levels of the bone marrow, but can quickly
spread to different organs and tissue through the bloodstream.
The presence of chronic lymphocytic leukemia is usually revealed by
blood tests and careful body examination. Although apparently some
people may have no symptoms of the disease, other patients may
experience fatigue, lack of concentration, poor balance, memory loss,
deterioration of vision and hearing, vertigos, body weakness, joint and
bone pains. Just like in other forms of the disease, chronic leukemia
requires immediate specific treatment and therapy. The chances of fully
overcoming the disease are considerably enhanced if it is discovered
quickly.
