Leukemia

Leukemia (sometimes called 'cancer of the blood') is a cancer that develops in blood-forming tissue, usually within the bone marrow or the lymphatic systemA part of the immune system comprising a network of conduits called lymphatic vessels that carry a clear fluid, lymph, towards the heart (Source: Wikipedia).. This type of cancer usually starts to develop in our white blood cells.

Leukemia cancer causes large numbers of white blood cells to be produced and enter the bloodstream. The white blood cells are supposed to help our body fight and fend off infections; leukemia disrupts them from functioning properly.

The disease is subdivided into a variety of large groups; the first and major one is between acute and chronic leukemia. In Acute Leukemia, there is a rapid increase in immature blood cells, as the overflow makes it impossible for the bone marrow to produce healthy blood cells. In Chronic Leukemia there is a buildup of mature but abnormal white blood cells.

Acute leukemia develops very fast and must be treated immediately while chronic leukemia can take much longer to progress and is sometimes monitored before beginning treatment.

Chronic Myeloid Leukemia Video

Leukemia Symptoms

As the cancerous cells are mobile within the blood stream, leukemia patients can experience symptoms in different parts of their bodies. It should be known that symptoms of leukemia are common also in regular infections and should be checked by a doctor who will make the diagnosis.

The different types of leukemia may lead to different symptoms. The main symptoms that most types of leukemia have in common can include:

• High fever and night sweats
• Frequent infections
• Weakness and fatigue
• Headaches
• The body suddenly becomes easily bruised and bleeds excessively
• Bone and joint pain
• Pain in the lower abdominal area accompanied with swelling
• Enlarged lymph nodes
• Weight loss

Patients with Chronic Leukemia will not show symptoms in an early stage as opposed to Acute Leukemia patients where the symptoms become severe very quickly. Acute Leukemia patients can also experience:

• Vomiting
• Confusion
• Loss of muscle control and seizures

Leukemia Treatments

Each leukemia cancer is treated differently and each treatment depends on the cancer type and stage. The typical leukemia treatment includes pharmaceutical medications combined with chemotherapy. Some patients will also receive radiation treatments.

In some cases, doctors will recommend the procedure of a bone marrow transplant, as it has been proved useful to overcome the disease.

Leukemia Treatments Abroad

Leukemia cancer requires very precise treatments that are individually suited for each patient. We here at TicketMed understand this and work with the top cancer clinics and medical centers. We will be happy to assist you in finding the best medical option for you. Contact us or ask for a quote.