leukemia symptoms : Radiation & Surgery
Radiation: Radiation treatment is used sometimes to treat leukemia cells in the brain and spinal fluid or testicles. It is also used, though rarely, in an emergency to treat compression of the trachea (windpipe). Even in this situation, however, radiation is being replaced by chemotherapy.
Surgery: Because leukemia cells spread so widely through the bone marrow and to many other organs, it is impossible to cure this type of cancer by surgery. Surgery rarely has any role even in the diagnosis, since a bone marrow aspirate is usually all that is needed to identify and classify leukemias.
At the time of leukemia diagnosis or soon thereafter a surgeon may put a venous access device (large plastic tube) into a large vein. The end of the tube is under the skin of the chest area or upper arm. Having such a venous access device will allow the nurses to inject chemotherapy and other medications more safely and remove blood samples without discomfort. It is very important for a patient to learn how to care for the venous access device to prevent it from becoming infected.
by Nielsen Technical Services
Surgery: Because leukemia cells spread so widely through the bone marrow and to many other organs, it is impossible to cure this type of cancer by surgery. Surgery rarely has any role even in the diagnosis, since a bone marrow aspirate is usually all that is needed to identify and classify leukemias.
At the time of leukemia diagnosis or soon thereafter a surgeon may put a venous access device (large plastic tube) into a large vein. The end of the tube is under the skin of the chest area or upper arm. Having such a venous access device will allow the nurses to inject chemotherapy and other medications more safely and remove blood samples without discomfort. It is very important for a patient to learn how to care for the venous access device to prevent it from becoming infected.
by Nielsen Technical Services
leukemia symptoms : Acute myelogenous leukemia
symptoms result from the body not producing enough healthy blood cells. Healthy bone marrow makes stem cells that grow into the three types of blood cells: red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. An AML patient's bone marrow makes too many blast cells (immature white blood cells). Normal blast cells turn into a type of white blood cell called granulocytes, but the leukemia blast cells do not. At the same time, the marrow cannot grow enough normal red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets.
Someone with too few red blood cells (anemia) may:
· Feel tired
· Be short of breath
· Look pale
Someone with too few normal white blood cells and too many leukemia blast cells may:
· Develop a lot of infections, for example, a sore throat
· Experience pain in the bones or joints
· Have a mild fever
Someone with too few platelets may:
· Bleed easily, such as swollen and bleeding gums, frequent nose bleeds or cuts that bleed for a long time
· Bruise more easily than usual
· Develop pin-head sized spots under the skin
· Develop cuts that heal slowly or do not heal
Some people with AML, however, do not notice any symptoms. Their AML may be discovered only during a blood test.
by Nielsen Technical Services
Someone with too few red blood cells (anemia) may:
· Feel tired
· Be short of breath
· Look pale
Someone with too few normal white blood cells and too many leukemia blast cells may:
· Develop a lot of infections, for example, a sore throat
· Experience pain in the bones or joints
· Have a mild fever
Someone with too few platelets may:
· Bleed easily, such as swollen and bleeding gums, frequent nose bleeds or cuts that bleed for a long time
· Bruise more easily than usual
· Develop pin-head sized spots under the skin
· Develop cuts that heal slowly or do not heal
Some people with AML, however, do not notice any symptoms. Their AML may be discovered only during a blood test.
by Nielsen Technical Services
leukemia symptoms : Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia
Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is a cancer of the white blood cells and bone marrow. The bone marrow is the spongy inner part of bones where blood cells are produced. White blood cells arise from the marrow and circulate in the blood. Chronic lymphocytic leukemia is characterized by uncontrolled growth of blood cells.
Many cases of chronic lymphocytic leukemia are detected by routine blood tests in persons with no symptoms, however, patients may have enlarged lymph nodes, enlarged liver and spleen, fatigue, bone pain, excessive sweating, loss of appetite, weight loss, flank pain, and generalized itching. Abnormal bruising, which is a more well known symptom of chronic lymphocytic leukemia, often does not appear until late in the illness.
Chronic leukemia progresses more slowly than acute leukemia. In leukemia, non-functioning cells accumulate in the marrow and blood but chronic leukemia enables the body to make greater numbers of more mature functional cells. The word "lymphocytic" in the term "chronic lymphocytic leukemia" refers to one of the three types of white blood cells involved in this disease.
Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) affects a type of lymphocyte called the B lymphocytes and causes suppression of the immune system, failure of the bone marrow, and infiltration of malignant cells into organs. Although chronic lymphocytic leukemia starts in the bone marrow, it can spread to the blood, lymph nodes, spleen, liver, central nervous system (CNS), and other organs. It does not usually form a solid mass or tumor.
The MediFocus Guidebook on Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia contains information that is vital to anyone who has been diagnosed with this condition.
You will learn about the causes, risk factors, common signs and symptoms, medical tests that are used to establish the diagnosis, and standard treatments. You will also learn about the latest clinical advances in the management of Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia as well as about the newest treatment options that are available.
The MediFocus Guidebook on Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia will also inform you about important new, exciting research in the area of Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia. You will also learn about the doctors, hospitals, and medical centers that are at the leading edge in conducting clinical research about Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia.
Information about clinical trials, quality of life issues, a list of questions to ask your doctor, and a useful directory of organizations and support groups that can help patients with Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia complete this valuable Guidebook.
You won't find this combination of information anywhere else. It is easily accessible right here. We invite you to preview the MediFocus Guidebook on Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia so that you can decide if this comprehensive, trustworthy information may help you or someone you care about who has been diagnosed with Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia.
© 1996-2005, Medifocus.com, Inc. or its affiliates
Many cases of chronic lymphocytic leukemia are detected by routine blood tests in persons with no symptoms, however, patients may have enlarged lymph nodes, enlarged liver and spleen, fatigue, bone pain, excessive sweating, loss of appetite, weight loss, flank pain, and generalized itching. Abnormal bruising, which is a more well known symptom of chronic lymphocytic leukemia, often does not appear until late in the illness.
Chronic leukemia progresses more slowly than acute leukemia. In leukemia, non-functioning cells accumulate in the marrow and blood but chronic leukemia enables the body to make greater numbers of more mature functional cells. The word "lymphocytic" in the term "chronic lymphocytic leukemia" refers to one of the three types of white blood cells involved in this disease.
Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) affects a type of lymphocyte called the B lymphocytes and causes suppression of the immune system, failure of the bone marrow, and infiltration of malignant cells into organs. Although chronic lymphocytic leukemia starts in the bone marrow, it can spread to the blood, lymph nodes, spleen, liver, central nervous system (CNS), and other organs. It does not usually form a solid mass or tumor.
The MediFocus Guidebook on Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia contains information that is vital to anyone who has been diagnosed with this condition.
You will learn about the causes, risk factors, common signs and symptoms, medical tests that are used to establish the diagnosis, and standard treatments. You will also learn about the latest clinical advances in the management of Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia as well as about the newest treatment options that are available.
The MediFocus Guidebook on Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia will also inform you about important new, exciting research in the area of Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia. You will also learn about the doctors, hospitals, and medical centers that are at the leading edge in conducting clinical research about Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia.
Information about clinical trials, quality of life issues, a list of questions to ask your doctor, and a useful directory of organizations and support groups that can help patients with Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia complete this valuable Guidebook.
You won't find this combination of information anywhere else. It is easily accessible right here. We invite you to preview the MediFocus Guidebook on Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia so that you can decide if this comprehensive, trustworthy information may help you or someone you care about who has been diagnosed with Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia.
© 1996-2005, Medifocus.com, Inc. or its affiliates
leukemia symptoms : general leukemia symptoms:
Here are some general leukemia symptoms:
Anemia: Children with leukemia often have fewer than normal healthy red blood cells and platelets. They lack enough red blood cells to carry oxygen through the body, which causes a condition called anemia. Children with anemia may look pale, feel weak and tired and bleed and bruise easily.
Recurrent Infections: Although children with leukemia may have a high number of white blood cells, these white blood cells are immature and don't fight infection. Children may experience repetitive viral or bacterial infections. They often have symptoms of infection such as fever, runny nose and cough.
Bone and Joint Pain: Pain in bones and joints is another common symptom of leukemia. This pain is usually a result of the bone marrow being overcrowded and "full."
Abdominal Distress: Abdominal pain also may be a symptom. Leukemia cells can collect in the kidney, liver and spleen, causing enlargement of these organs. Pain in the abdomen may cause a loss of appetite and weight.
Swollen Lymph Nodes: Lymph nodes under the arms, in the groin, chest and neck may become swollen when leukemia cells collect in the nodes. Lymph nodes filter the blood.
Difficulty Breathing or Dyspnea: With T-cell acute lymphocytic leukemia, leukemia cells tend to clump together around the thymus gland. This mass of cells present in the middle of the chest can cause pain and difficulty breathing. Wheezing, coughing or painful breathing requires immediate medical attention.
Copyright © 2002 - 2006 The Regents of the University of California
Anemia: Children with leukemia often have fewer than normal healthy red blood cells and platelets. They lack enough red blood cells to carry oxygen through the body, which causes a condition called anemia. Children with anemia may look pale, feel weak and tired and bleed and bruise easily.
Recurrent Infections: Although children with leukemia may have a high number of white blood cells, these white blood cells are immature and don't fight infection. Children may experience repetitive viral or bacterial infections. They often have symptoms of infection such as fever, runny nose and cough.
Bone and Joint Pain: Pain in bones and joints is another common symptom of leukemia. This pain is usually a result of the bone marrow being overcrowded and "full."
Abdominal Distress: Abdominal pain also may be a symptom. Leukemia cells can collect in the kidney, liver and spleen, causing enlargement of these organs. Pain in the abdomen may cause a loss of appetite and weight.
Swollen Lymph Nodes: Lymph nodes under the arms, in the groin, chest and neck may become swollen when leukemia cells collect in the nodes. Lymph nodes filter the blood.
Difficulty Breathing or Dyspnea: With T-cell acute lymphocytic leukemia, leukemia cells tend to clump together around the thymus gland. This mass of cells present in the middle of the chest can cause pain and difficulty breathing. Wheezing, coughing or painful breathing requires immediate medical attention.
Copyright © 2002 - 2006 The Regents of the University of California
leukemia symptoms : Chronic Myeloid Leukemia Research Program
Chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) is one of the chronic myeloproliferative disorders, a category that includes polycythemia vera, idiopathic myelofibrosis and essential thrombocythemia. In some cases CML can be cured by bone marrow transplantation, but this procedure is associated with considerable complications in many patients that may result in death or disability. A new drug, imatinib (Gleevec), shows great promise and may extend a patient's life very considerably, but not all patients respond optimally. We have begun a research program at the Clinical Center with the goal of improving survival for more patients with CML than is currently possible. For example, we have initiated a research study whereby patients eligible for transplantation get greatly reduced drug treatment before the transplant. This approach may be associated with a lower risk of complications immediately after the transplant and permits treatment of patients who are older than those generally considered suitable for this approach.
Leukemia Research Study
Imatinib for Chronic Leukemia If you or someone you know is 18 years old or older and has been diagnosed with chronic myelomonocytic leukemia (CMML) or atypical chronic myelogenous leukemia (aCML), you may be able to participate in a clinical trial evaluating a new therapy. Imatinib has been shown to selectively kill leukemia cells in patients with chronic myeloid leukemia (CML). Hematologists are evaluating whether imatinib may help improve blood counts and/or reduce or discontinue the need for blood transfusions in these other forms of leukemia.
National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute
Leukemia Research Study
Imatinib for Chronic Leukemia If you or someone you know is 18 years old or older and has been diagnosed with chronic myelomonocytic leukemia (CMML) or atypical chronic myelogenous leukemia (aCML), you may be able to participate in a clinical trial evaluating a new therapy. Imatinib has been shown to selectively kill leukemia cells in patients with chronic myeloid leukemia (CML). Hematologists are evaluating whether imatinib may help improve blood counts and/or reduce or discontinue the need for blood transfusions in these other forms of leukemia.
National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute
leukemia symptoms : Ask Your Doctor about Monitoring Your Response to Treatment
The following is a list of questions you can ask your doctor about monitoring your response to treatment and a brief explanation of why you would want to know the answer to these questions.
Doctors use a variety of tests to monitor treatment effectiveness and the progression of CML. These include blood tests and cytogenetic tests, including the fluorescence in-situ hybridization (FISH) test and the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test.
Am I responding to treatment?
Almost everyone with CML has cells with the Philadelphia chromosome, which is responsible for the overproduction of white blood cells (WBCs). Doctors monitor your response to medical treatments by measuring the behavior and characteristics of the WBCs. Laboratory tests are used to measure the number of leukemia cells, and, if you are Philadelphia chromosome-positive, the number of cells containing the defective gene.
Am I experiencing a hematological response?
A hematological response means that the number of WBCs is now within normal range. The hematologic response can be used to predict the course of the disease.
Am I experiencing a cytogenetic response?
Cytogenetic tests look for the Philadelphia chromosome, the genetic hallmark of CML. This test can detect one defective cell in 20. When people who are Philadelphia chromosome-positive have a cytogenetic response, it means that the number of leukemia cells containing the defect has been reduced. Doctors take a sample that contains millions of cells and examine 20 to 30 of them under the microscope. A complete cytogenetic response means that no Philadelphia chromosome-positive cells have been found in that random sample. A partial cytogenetic response means that less than 35% of cells are Philadelphia chromosome-positive.
What is my FISH test result?
The FISH (fluorescence in-situ hybridization) test is a type of cytogenetic test (sometimes called a molecular test) that can visualize a specific gene or gene region on chromosomes. In the FISH test, a sampling of about 200 of your cells are tagged with a chemical marker that glows under special light when the cells are viewed under the microscope. The FISH test in CML can detect the presence or absence of a particular segment of DNA on the Philadelphia chromosome called the BCR-ABL gene. This test can detect one in 500 leukemia cells containing this defect.
What is my PCR result?
The PCR (polymerase chain reaction) test is a way of looking for the BCR-ABL gene directly. This highly sensitive cytogenetic test can detect one Philadelphia chromosome-positive cell in a million normal cells.
Will I need a bone marrow test?
Your doctor may want to perform a bone marrow biopsy to see if any cells in the bone marrow are Philadelphia chromosome-positive.
Produced in collaboration with the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society &
supported through an educational grant from Bristol-Myers Squibb
Doctors use a variety of tests to monitor treatment effectiveness and the progression of CML. These include blood tests and cytogenetic tests, including the fluorescence in-situ hybridization (FISH) test and the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test.
Am I responding to treatment?
Almost everyone with CML has cells with the Philadelphia chromosome, which is responsible for the overproduction of white blood cells (WBCs). Doctors monitor your response to medical treatments by measuring the behavior and characteristics of the WBCs. Laboratory tests are used to measure the number of leukemia cells, and, if you are Philadelphia chromosome-positive, the number of cells containing the defective gene.
Am I experiencing a hematological response?
A hematological response means that the number of WBCs is now within normal range. The hematologic response can be used to predict the course of the disease.
Am I experiencing a cytogenetic response?
Cytogenetic tests look for the Philadelphia chromosome, the genetic hallmark of CML. This test can detect one defective cell in 20. When people who are Philadelphia chromosome-positive have a cytogenetic response, it means that the number of leukemia cells containing the defect has been reduced. Doctors take a sample that contains millions of cells and examine 20 to 30 of them under the microscope. A complete cytogenetic response means that no Philadelphia chromosome-positive cells have been found in that random sample. A partial cytogenetic response means that less than 35% of cells are Philadelphia chromosome-positive.
What is my FISH test result?
The FISH (fluorescence in-situ hybridization) test is a type of cytogenetic test (sometimes called a molecular test) that can visualize a specific gene or gene region on chromosomes. In the FISH test, a sampling of about 200 of your cells are tagged with a chemical marker that glows under special light when the cells are viewed under the microscope. The FISH test in CML can detect the presence or absence of a particular segment of DNA on the Philadelphia chromosome called the BCR-ABL gene. This test can detect one in 500 leukemia cells containing this defect.
What is my PCR result?
The PCR (polymerase chain reaction) test is a way of looking for the BCR-ABL gene directly. This highly sensitive cytogenetic test can detect one Philadelphia chromosome-positive cell in a million normal cells.
Will I need a bone marrow test?
Your doctor may want to perform a bone marrow biopsy to see if any cells in the bone marrow are Philadelphia chromosome-positive.
Produced in collaboration with the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society &
supported through an educational grant from Bristol-Myers Squibb
leukemia symptoms : Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia
Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is a cancer of the white blood cells and bone marrow. The bone marrow is the spongy inner part of bones where blood cells are produced. White blood cells arise from the marrow and circulate in the blood. Chronic lymphocytic leukemia is characterized by uncontrolled growth of blood cells.
Many cases of chronic lymphocytic leukemia are detected by routine blood tests in persons with no symptoms, however, patients may have enlarged lymph nodes, enlarged liver and spleen, fatigue, bone pain, excessive sweating, loss of appetite, weight loss, flank pain, and generalized itching. Abnormal bruising, which is a more well known symptom of chronic lymphocytic leukemia, often does not appear until late in the illness.
Chronic leukemia progresses more slowly than acute leukemia. In leukemia, non-functioning cells accumulate in the marrow and blood but chronic leukemia enables the body to make greater numbers of more mature functional cells. The word "lymphocytic" in the term "chronic lymphocytic leukemia" refers to one of the three types of white blood cells involved in this disease.
Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) affects a type of lymphocyte called the B lymphocytes and causes suppression of the immune system, failure of the bone marrow, and infiltration of malignant cells into organs. Although chronic lymphocytic leukemia starts in the bone marrow, it can spread to the blood, lymph nodes, spleen, liver, central nervous system (CNS), and other organs. It does not usually form a solid mass or tumor.
The MediFocus Guidebook on Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia contains information that is vital to anyone who has been diagnosed with this condition.
You will learn about the causes, risk factors, common signs and symptoms, medical tests that are used to establish the diagnosis, and standard treatments. You will also learn about the latest clinical advances in the management of Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia as well as about the newest treatment options that are available.
The MediFocus Guidebook on Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia will also inform you about important new, exciting research in the area of Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia. You will also learn about the doctors, hospitals, and medical centers that are at the leading edge in conducting clinical research about Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia.
Information about clinical trials, quality of life issues, a list of questions to ask your doctor, and a useful directory of organizations and support groups that can help patients with Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia complete this valuable Guidebook.
You won't find this combination of information anywhere else. It is easily accessible right here. We invite you to preview the MediFocus Guidebook on Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia so that you can decide if this comprehensive, trustworthy information may help you or someone you care about who has been diagnosed with Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia.
Privacy Notice ?1996-2005, Medifocus.com, Inc. or its affiliates
Many cases of chronic lymphocytic leukemia are detected by routine blood tests in persons with no symptoms, however, patients may have enlarged lymph nodes, enlarged liver and spleen, fatigue, bone pain, excessive sweating, loss of appetite, weight loss, flank pain, and generalized itching. Abnormal bruising, which is a more well known symptom of chronic lymphocytic leukemia, often does not appear until late in the illness.
Chronic leukemia progresses more slowly than acute leukemia. In leukemia, non-functioning cells accumulate in the marrow and blood but chronic leukemia enables the body to make greater numbers of more mature functional cells. The word "lymphocytic" in the term "chronic lymphocytic leukemia" refers to one of the three types of white blood cells involved in this disease.
Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) affects a type of lymphocyte called the B lymphocytes and causes suppression of the immune system, failure of the bone marrow, and infiltration of malignant cells into organs. Although chronic lymphocytic leukemia starts in the bone marrow, it can spread to the blood, lymph nodes, spleen, liver, central nervous system (CNS), and other organs. It does not usually form a solid mass or tumor.
The MediFocus Guidebook on Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia contains information that is vital to anyone who has been diagnosed with this condition.
You will learn about the causes, risk factors, common signs and symptoms, medical tests that are used to establish the diagnosis, and standard treatments. You will also learn about the latest clinical advances in the management of Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia as well as about the newest treatment options that are available.
The MediFocus Guidebook on Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia will also inform you about important new, exciting research in the area of Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia. You will also learn about the doctors, hospitals, and medical centers that are at the leading edge in conducting clinical research about Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia.
Information about clinical trials, quality of life issues, a list of questions to ask your doctor, and a useful directory of organizations and support groups that can help patients with Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia complete this valuable Guidebook.
You won't find this combination of information anywhere else. It is easily accessible right here. We invite you to preview the MediFocus Guidebook on Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia so that you can decide if this comprehensive, trustworthy information may help you or someone you care about who has been diagnosed with Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia.
Privacy Notice ?1996-2005, Medifocus.com, Inc. or its affiliates
leukemia symptoms : Signs and Symptoms
Two general categories of leukemia are acute and chronic. In acute leukemia, symptoms appear quickly and worsen quickly. This form of leukemia may develop over a short period of days to weeks. Abnormal white blood cells may collect in the brain or spinal cord. The result may be headaches, vomiting, confusion, loss of muscle control and difficulty seeing. Some patients develop sores in the eyes or unusual skin rashes. Leukemia also can affect the lungs and other parts of the body.
In chronic leukemia, symptoms may not appear for months or years. Doctors may find chronic leukemia during a routine exam before any symptoms arise. This form of leukemia may develop over longer periods covering months or years before symptoms are apparent. When symptoms do appear, they tend to be mild and worsen gradually. Abnormal white blood cells may gradually collect in various parts of the body, affecting areas such as the skin, central nervous system, digestive tract, kidneys and testicles.
The two primary types of childhood leukemia are acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL) and acute myelogenous leukemia (AML). These two acute forms of leukemia can develop over a short period of days to weeks. A third chronic form, chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML), is rare among children.
Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia (ALL): Acute lymphocytic leukemia -- also called lymphoblastic or lymphoid leukemia -- accounts for about 75 percent to 80 percent of childhood leukemia. In this form of the disease, the lymphocyte cells, which normally fight infection, are affected. When acute lymphocytic leukemia occurs, the bone marrow makes too many lymphocyte cells that do not mature correctly. The lymphocyte cells overproduce, crowding out other blood cells. Immature blood cells or blasts don't work properly to fight infection. Chromosome abnormalities, or extra chromosomes and structural changes in the chromosome material, are present in the majority of ALL patients.
Acute Myelogenous Leukemia (AML): Acute myelogenous leukemia -- also called granulocytic, myelocytic, myeloblastic or myeloid leukemia -- accounts for about 20 percent of childhood leukemias. Acute myelogenous leukemia is a cancer of the blood in which too many granulocytes, a type of white blood cell that normally fights infection, are produced in the marrow and they don't mature correctly. The immature blood cells or blasts don't work properly to fight infection. The excessive number of these abnormal cells crowd out other healthy blood cells. Children with certain genetic syndromes, including Fanconi anemia, Bloom syndrome, Kostmann syndrome and Down syndrome, have a higher risk of developing AML.
Chronic Myelogenous Leukemia (CML): Chronic myelogenous leukemia is the more slowly developing form of myelogenous leukemia and is rare among children. It may develop over a period of months or years. Children with CML have a chromosome rearrangement. Part of chromosome No. 9 breaks off and attaches itself to chromosome No. 22, creating an exchange of genetic material. This rearrangement changes the position and function of certain genes, causing uncontrolled cell growth. Other chromosome abnormalities also can occur.
Like all blood cells, leukemia cells travel throughout the body. Depending on the number of abnormal cells and where these cells collect, patients with leukemia may have a number of symptoms.
Here are some general leukemia symptoms:
Anemia: Children with leukemia often have fewer than normal healthy red blood cells and platelets. They lack enough red blood cells to carry oxygen through the body, which causes a condition called anemia. Children with anemia may look pale, feel weak and tired and bleed and bruise easily.
Recurrent Infections: Although children with leukemia may have a high number of white blood cells, these white blood cells are immature and don't fight infection. Children may experience repetitive viral or bacterial infections. They often have symptoms of infection such as fever, runny nose and cough.
Bone and Joint Pain: Pain in bones and joints is another common symptom of leukemia. This pain is usually a result of the bone marrow being overcrowded and "full."
Abdominal Distress: Abdominal pain also may be a symptom. Leukemia cells can collect in the kidney, liver and spleen, causing enlargement of these organs. Pain in the abdomen may cause a loss of appetite and weight.
Swollen Lymph Nodes: Lymph nodes under the arms, in the groin, chest and neck may become swollen when leukemia cells collect in the nodes. Lymph nodes filter the blood.
Difficulty Breathing or Dyspnea: With T-cell acute lymphocytic leukemia, leukemia cells tend to clump together around the thymus gland. This mass of cells present in the middle of the chest can cause pain and difficulty breathing. Wheezing, coughing or painful breathing requires immediate medical attention.
Copyright © 2002 - 2006 The Regents of the University of California
In chronic leukemia, symptoms may not appear for months or years. Doctors may find chronic leukemia during a routine exam before any symptoms arise. This form of leukemia may develop over longer periods covering months or years before symptoms are apparent. When symptoms do appear, they tend to be mild and worsen gradually. Abnormal white blood cells may gradually collect in various parts of the body, affecting areas such as the skin, central nervous system, digestive tract, kidneys and testicles.
The two primary types of childhood leukemia are acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL) and acute myelogenous leukemia (AML). These two acute forms of leukemia can develop over a short period of days to weeks. A third chronic form, chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML), is rare among children.
Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia (ALL): Acute lymphocytic leukemia -- also called lymphoblastic or lymphoid leukemia -- accounts for about 75 percent to 80 percent of childhood leukemia. In this form of the disease, the lymphocyte cells, which normally fight infection, are affected. When acute lymphocytic leukemia occurs, the bone marrow makes too many lymphocyte cells that do not mature correctly. The lymphocyte cells overproduce, crowding out other blood cells. Immature blood cells or blasts don't work properly to fight infection. Chromosome abnormalities, or extra chromosomes and structural changes in the chromosome material, are present in the majority of ALL patients.
Acute Myelogenous Leukemia (AML): Acute myelogenous leukemia -- also called granulocytic, myelocytic, myeloblastic or myeloid leukemia -- accounts for about 20 percent of childhood leukemias. Acute myelogenous leukemia is a cancer of the blood in which too many granulocytes, a type of white blood cell that normally fights infection, are produced in the marrow and they don't mature correctly. The immature blood cells or blasts don't work properly to fight infection. The excessive number of these abnormal cells crowd out other healthy blood cells. Children with certain genetic syndromes, including Fanconi anemia, Bloom syndrome, Kostmann syndrome and Down syndrome, have a higher risk of developing AML.
Chronic Myelogenous Leukemia (CML): Chronic myelogenous leukemia is the more slowly developing form of myelogenous leukemia and is rare among children. It may develop over a period of months or years. Children with CML have a chromosome rearrangement. Part of chromosome No. 9 breaks off and attaches itself to chromosome No. 22, creating an exchange of genetic material. This rearrangement changes the position and function of certain genes, causing uncontrolled cell growth. Other chromosome abnormalities also can occur.
Like all blood cells, leukemia cells travel throughout the body. Depending on the number of abnormal cells and where these cells collect, patients with leukemia may have a number of symptoms.
Here are some general leukemia symptoms:
Anemia: Children with leukemia often have fewer than normal healthy red blood cells and platelets. They lack enough red blood cells to carry oxygen through the body, which causes a condition called anemia. Children with anemia may look pale, feel weak and tired and bleed and bruise easily.
Recurrent Infections: Although children with leukemia may have a high number of white blood cells, these white blood cells are immature and don't fight infection. Children may experience repetitive viral or bacterial infections. They often have symptoms of infection such as fever, runny nose and cough.
Bone and Joint Pain: Pain in bones and joints is another common symptom of leukemia. This pain is usually a result of the bone marrow being overcrowded and "full."
Abdominal Distress: Abdominal pain also may be a symptom. Leukemia cells can collect in the kidney, liver and spleen, causing enlargement of these organs. Pain in the abdomen may cause a loss of appetite and weight.
Swollen Lymph Nodes: Lymph nodes under the arms, in the groin, chest and neck may become swollen when leukemia cells collect in the nodes. Lymph nodes filter the blood.
Difficulty Breathing or Dyspnea: With T-cell acute lymphocytic leukemia, leukemia cells tend to clump together around the thymus gland. This mass of cells present in the middle of the chest can cause pain and difficulty breathing. Wheezing, coughing or painful breathing requires immediate medical attention.
Copyright © 2002 - 2006 The Regents of the University of California
leukemia symptoms : Types leukemia
Leukemia is classified by how quickly it progresses. Acute leukemia is fast-growing and can overrun the body within a few weeks or months. By contrast, chronic leukemia is slow-growing and progressively worsens over years.
Acute versus Chronic Leukemia
The blood-forming (hematopoietic) cells of acute leukemia remain in an immature state, so they reproduce and accumulate very rapidly. Therefore, acute leukemia needs to be treated immediately, otherwise the disease may be fatal within a few months. Fortunately, some subtypes of acute leukemia respond very well to available therapies and they are curable. Children often develop acute forms of leukemia, which are managed differently from leukemia in adults.
In chronic leukemia, the blood-forming cells eventually mature, or differentiate, but they are not "normal." They remain in the bloodstream much longer than normal white blood cells, and they are unable to combat infection well.
Myelogenous versus Lymphocytic Leukemia
Leukemia also is classified according to the type of white blood cell that is multiplying - that is, lymphocytes (immune system cells), granulocytes (bacteria-destroying cells), or monocytes (macrophage-forming cells). If the abnormal white blood cells are primarily granulocytes or monocytes, the leukemia is categorized as myelogenous, or myeloid, leukemia. On the other hand, if the abnormal blood cells arise from bone marrow lymphocytes, the cancer is called lymphocytic leukemia.
Other cancers, known as lymphomas, develop from lymphocytes within the lymph nodes, spleen, and other organs. Such cancers do not originate in the bone marrow and have a biological behavior that is different from lymphocytic leukemia.
There are over a dozen different types of leukemia, but four types occur most frequently. These classifications are based upon whether the leukemia is acute versus chronic and myelogenous versus lymphocytic, that is:
Acute Myelogenous (granulocytic) Leukemia (AML)
Chronic Myelogenous (granulocytic) Leukemia (CML)
Acute Lymphocytic (lymphoblastic) Leukemia (ALL)
Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL)
Acute Myelogenous Leukemia (AML)
Acute myelogenous leukemia (AML) - also known as acute nonlymphocytic leukemia (ANLL) - is the most common form of adult leukemia. Most patients are of retirement age (average age at diagnosis = 65 years), and more men are affected than women. Fortunately, because of recent advances in treatment, AML can be kept in remission (lessening of the disease) in approximately 60% to 70% of adults who undergo appropriate therapy. Initial response rates are approximately 65-75% but the overall cure rates are more on the order of 40-50%.
AML begins with abnormalities in the bone marrow blast cells that develop to form granulocytes, the white blood cells that contain small particles, or granules. The AML blasts do not mature, and they become too numerous in the blood and bone marrow. As the cells build up, they hamper the body's ability to fight infection and prevent bleeding. Therefore, it is necessary to treat this disease within a short time after making a diagnosis. AML, particularly in the monocytic M5 form, may spread to the gums and cause them to swell, bleed, and become painful. AML also may metastasize (spread) to the skin, causing small colored spots that mimic a rash.
Acute leukemia, such as AML, is categorized according to a system known as French-American-British (FAB) classification. FAB divides AML into eight subtypes:
undifferentiated AML (M0) - In this form of leukemia, the bone marrow cells show no significant signs of differentiation (maturation to obtain distinguishing cell characteristics).
myeloblastic leukemia (M1; with/without minimal cell maturation) - The bone marrow cells show some signs of granulocytic differentiation.
myeloblastic leukemia (M2; with cell maturation) - The maturation of bone marrow cells is at or beyond the promyelocyte (early granulocyte) stage; varying amounts of maturing granulocytes may be seen. This subtype often is associated with a specific genetic change involving translocation of chromosomes 8 and 21.
promyelocytic leukemia (M3 or M3 variant [M3V]) - Most cells are abnormal early granulocytes that are between myeloblasts and myelocytes in their stage of development and contain many small particles. The cell nucleus may vary in size and shape. Bleeding and blood clotting problems, such as disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC), are commonly seen with this form of leukemia. Good responses are observed after treatment with retinoids, which are drugs chemically related to vitamin A.
myelomonocytic leukemia (M4 or M4 variant with eosinophilia [M4E]) - The bone marrow and circulating blood have variable amounts of differentiated granulocytes and monocytes. The proportion of monocytes and promonocytes (early monocyte form) in the bone marrow is greater than 20% of all nucleated (nucleus-containing) cells. The M4E variant also contains a number of abnormal eosinophils (granular leukocyte with a two-lobed nucleus) in the bone marrow.
monocytic leukemia (M5) - There are two forms of this subtype. The first form is characterized by poorly differentiated monoblasts (immature monocytes) with lacy-appearing genetic material. The second, differentiated form is characterized by a large population of monoblasts, promonocytes, and monocytes. The proportion of monocytes in the bloodstream may be higher than that in the bone marrow. M5 leukemia may infiltrate the skin and gums, and it has a worse prognosis than other subtypes.
erythroleukemia (M6) - This form of leukemia is characterized by abnormal red blood cell-forming cells, which make up over half of the nucleated cells in the bone marrow.
megakaryoblastic leukemia (M7) - The blast cells in this form of leukemia look like immature megakaryocytes (giant cells of the bone marrow) or lymphoblasts (lymphocyte-forming cells). M7 leukemia may be distinguished by extensive fibrous tissue deposits (fibrosis) in the bone marrow.
In addition, patients sometimes develop isolated tumors of the myeloblasts (early granulocytes). An example of this is isolated granulocytic sarcoma, or chloroma - a malignant tumor of the connective tissue. Individuals with chloroma frequently develop AML, so they usually are treated with an aggressive, AML-specific chemotherapy program.
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by Healthcommunities.com, Inc. All rights reserved
Acute versus Chronic Leukemia
The blood-forming (hematopoietic) cells of acute leukemia remain in an immature state, so they reproduce and accumulate very rapidly. Therefore, acute leukemia needs to be treated immediately, otherwise the disease may be fatal within a few months. Fortunately, some subtypes of acute leukemia respond very well to available therapies and they are curable. Children often develop acute forms of leukemia, which are managed differently from leukemia in adults.
In chronic leukemia, the blood-forming cells eventually mature, or differentiate, but they are not "normal." They remain in the bloodstream much longer than normal white blood cells, and they are unable to combat infection well.
Myelogenous versus Lymphocytic Leukemia
Leukemia also is classified according to the type of white blood cell that is multiplying - that is, lymphocytes (immune system cells), granulocytes (bacteria-destroying cells), or monocytes (macrophage-forming cells). If the abnormal white blood cells are primarily granulocytes or monocytes, the leukemia is categorized as myelogenous, or myeloid, leukemia. On the other hand, if the abnormal blood cells arise from bone marrow lymphocytes, the cancer is called lymphocytic leukemia.
Other cancers, known as lymphomas, develop from lymphocytes within the lymph nodes, spleen, and other organs. Such cancers do not originate in the bone marrow and have a biological behavior that is different from lymphocytic leukemia.
There are over a dozen different types of leukemia, but four types occur most frequently. These classifications are based upon whether the leukemia is acute versus chronic and myelogenous versus lymphocytic, that is:
Acute Myelogenous (granulocytic) Leukemia (AML)
Chronic Myelogenous (granulocytic) Leukemia (CML)
Acute Lymphocytic (lymphoblastic) Leukemia (ALL)
Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL)
Acute Myelogenous Leukemia (AML)
Acute myelogenous leukemia (AML) - also known as acute nonlymphocytic leukemia (ANLL) - is the most common form of adult leukemia. Most patients are of retirement age (average age at diagnosis = 65 years), and more men are affected than women. Fortunately, because of recent advances in treatment, AML can be kept in remission (lessening of the disease) in approximately 60% to 70% of adults who undergo appropriate therapy. Initial response rates are approximately 65-75% but the overall cure rates are more on the order of 40-50%.
AML begins with abnormalities in the bone marrow blast cells that develop to form granulocytes, the white blood cells that contain small particles, or granules. The AML blasts do not mature, and they become too numerous in the blood and bone marrow. As the cells build up, they hamper the body's ability to fight infection and prevent bleeding. Therefore, it is necessary to treat this disease within a short time after making a diagnosis. AML, particularly in the monocytic M5 form, may spread to the gums and cause them to swell, bleed, and become painful. AML also may metastasize (spread) to the skin, causing small colored spots that mimic a rash.
Acute leukemia, such as AML, is categorized according to a system known as French-American-British (FAB) classification. FAB divides AML into eight subtypes:
undifferentiated AML (M0) - In this form of leukemia, the bone marrow cells show no significant signs of differentiation (maturation to obtain distinguishing cell characteristics).
myeloblastic leukemia (M1; with/without minimal cell maturation) - The bone marrow cells show some signs of granulocytic differentiation.
myeloblastic leukemia (M2; with cell maturation) - The maturation of bone marrow cells is at or beyond the promyelocyte (early granulocyte) stage; varying amounts of maturing granulocytes may be seen. This subtype often is associated with a specific genetic change involving translocation of chromosomes 8 and 21.
promyelocytic leukemia (M3 or M3 variant [M3V]) - Most cells are abnormal early granulocytes that are between myeloblasts and myelocytes in their stage of development and contain many small particles. The cell nucleus may vary in size and shape. Bleeding and blood clotting problems, such as disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC), are commonly seen with this form of leukemia. Good responses are observed after treatment with retinoids, which are drugs chemically related to vitamin A.
myelomonocytic leukemia (M4 or M4 variant with eosinophilia [M4E]) - The bone marrow and circulating blood have variable amounts of differentiated granulocytes and monocytes. The proportion of monocytes and promonocytes (early monocyte form) in the bone marrow is greater than 20% of all nucleated (nucleus-containing) cells. The M4E variant also contains a number of abnormal eosinophils (granular leukocyte with a two-lobed nucleus) in the bone marrow.
monocytic leukemia (M5) - There are two forms of this subtype. The first form is characterized by poorly differentiated monoblasts (immature monocytes) with lacy-appearing genetic material. The second, differentiated form is characterized by a large population of monoblasts, promonocytes, and monocytes. The proportion of monocytes in the bloodstream may be higher than that in the bone marrow. M5 leukemia may infiltrate the skin and gums, and it has a worse prognosis than other subtypes.
erythroleukemia (M6) - This form of leukemia is characterized by abnormal red blood cell-forming cells, which make up over half of the nucleated cells in the bone marrow.
megakaryoblastic leukemia (M7) - The blast cells in this form of leukemia look like immature megakaryocytes (giant cells of the bone marrow) or lymphoblasts (lymphocyte-forming cells). M7 leukemia may be distinguished by extensive fibrous tissue deposits (fibrosis) in the bone marrow.
In addition, patients sometimes develop isolated tumors of the myeloblasts (early granulocytes). An example of this is isolated granulocytic sarcoma, or chloroma - a malignant tumor of the connective tissue. Individuals with chloroma frequently develop AML, so they usually are treated with an aggressive, AML-specific chemotherapy program.
© 1998-2006
by Healthcommunities.com, Inc. All rights reserved
leukemia symptoms : Bone Marrow & Blood Formation
In humans, the bones are not solid, but are made up of two distinct regions. The outer, weight-bearing area is hard, compact, and calcium-based. It surrounds a lattice-work of fibrous bone known as cancellous tissue.The inner region, or marrow - which is one of the largest organs of the body - is located within the bones. It fills the shafts of the long bones, the trabeculae (spaces within cancellous tissue), and even extends into the bony canals that hold the blood vessels.
The marrow may contain fat cells, fluid, fibrous tissue, blood vessels, and hematopoietic, or blood-forming, cells. Marrow looks yellow when it holds many fat cells; it appears red when it has more blood-forming material. The marrow is the principal site for hematopoiesis (blood formation), which, after birth, occurs primarily within the bones of the legs, arms, ribs, sternum (breastbone), and vertebrae (backbones).
Stem Cells
Many of the blood cells that populate the arteries and veins are born and mature within the bone marrow. They are derived from hematopoietic cells called stem cells. Stem cells within the bone marrow continuously divide to form new cells. Some of the new cells remain unchanged as stem cells and have a lifelong capacity for self-renewal. These cells are called pluripotential cells. Other, unipotential stem cells have a limited capacity for self-renewal. Also known as progenitor cells, unipotential cells become committed to forming only one type of blood cell line - erythrocytes (red blood cells), leukocytes (white blood cells), or platelets. Colonies of progenitor cells provide offspring of increasing differentiation (maturity). They react to specific compounds known as poietins. Poietins stimulate the progenitor cells until they transform into the appropriate young blood cell known as a "blast" cell.
Although stem cells are few in number - composing no more than 3% to 5% of all cells in the marrow - they are the only cells capable of producing the progenitor cells that eventually form all of the blood elements. The number of blood cells produced every day is enormous: in the normal adult, production amounts to about 2.5 billion erythrocytes, 2.5 billion platelets, and 1.0 billion granulocytes (granular leukocytes) per kilogram of body weight.
If the stem cells stop functioning because of drugs, radiation, infection, or other toxic event, they become unable to make any of the blood cells. The circulating blood will be deficient in all types of blood cells, a condition known as pancytopenia. The inside of the bone marrow will appear empty and will lack the normal quantity of cells. This stem cell disorder, which is called aplastic anemia, may be treated by bone marrow transplant or immunosuppressive medications. In rare circumstances, children with aplastic anemia may respond to therapy with steroids or androgens (male sex hormones); such treatments are generally discouraged in adults.
Progenitor cells also may die or lose the ability to function due to drugs, radiation, infection, or other toxic event. Depending on which progenitor cells cease to work, the person may develop pure red cell aplasia (lack of red blood cells), megakaryocytic aplasia (absence of platelets) or leukopenia (low white blood cell count).
Other types of bone marrow abnormalities, such as myeloproliferative disorder, a disease in which bone marrow cells multiply outside of the bone marrow tissue, or myelodysplastic ("preleukemia") syndromes, are the result of marrow dysfunction in either the stem cells or progenitor cell lines.
Spleen
The spleen is a vital organ that is located on the left side of the body under the lower rib cage. It is a "ductless gland" that is closely associated with the circulatory system. The adult spleen - which holds the largest collection of blood-filtering lymphatic tissue in the body - is roughly 5 inches long and weighs about 5 to 7 ounces, but these measurements vary greatly with age, nutrition, disease status, and other factors.
The spleen contains a white pulp of lymphoid tissues and a red pulp that contains red blood cells and hollow cavities called sinuses. Both red and white pulps are abundant in phagocytes, the cells that consume foreign substances within the body. The spleen manufactures lymphocytes and other immune system cells to combat infection. It is a storehouse for healthy blood cells, and its lymphatic tissue filters out old and damaged blood cells, microorganisms, and cell waste. In case of bone marrow malfunction, the spleen may assume the role of blood cell formation.
Certain leukemia patients may develop splenomegaly - an enlarged spleen. In some forms of leukemia, such as chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) and hairy cell leukemia (HCL), splenectomy (removal of the spleen) may be an effective form of treatment. Splenectomy is one of many therapeutic options for HCL
© 1998-2006
by Healthcommunities.com, Inc. All rights reserved.
The marrow may contain fat cells, fluid, fibrous tissue, blood vessels, and hematopoietic, or blood-forming, cells. Marrow looks yellow when it holds many fat cells; it appears red when it has more blood-forming material. The marrow is the principal site for hematopoiesis (blood formation), which, after birth, occurs primarily within the bones of the legs, arms, ribs, sternum (breastbone), and vertebrae (backbones).
Stem Cells
Many of the blood cells that populate the arteries and veins are born and mature within the bone marrow. They are derived from hematopoietic cells called stem cells. Stem cells within the bone marrow continuously divide to form new cells. Some of the new cells remain unchanged as stem cells and have a lifelong capacity for self-renewal. These cells are called pluripotential cells. Other, unipotential stem cells have a limited capacity for self-renewal. Also known as progenitor cells, unipotential cells become committed to forming only one type of blood cell line - erythrocytes (red blood cells), leukocytes (white blood cells), or platelets. Colonies of progenitor cells provide offspring of increasing differentiation (maturity). They react to specific compounds known as poietins. Poietins stimulate the progenitor cells until they transform into the appropriate young blood cell known as a "blast" cell.
Although stem cells are few in number - composing no more than 3% to 5% of all cells in the marrow - they are the only cells capable of producing the progenitor cells that eventually form all of the blood elements. The number of blood cells produced every day is enormous: in the normal adult, production amounts to about 2.5 billion erythrocytes, 2.5 billion platelets, and 1.0 billion granulocytes (granular leukocytes) per kilogram of body weight.
If the stem cells stop functioning because of drugs, radiation, infection, or other toxic event, they become unable to make any of the blood cells. The circulating blood will be deficient in all types of blood cells, a condition known as pancytopenia. The inside of the bone marrow will appear empty and will lack the normal quantity of cells. This stem cell disorder, which is called aplastic anemia, may be treated by bone marrow transplant or immunosuppressive medications. In rare circumstances, children with aplastic anemia may respond to therapy with steroids or androgens (male sex hormones); such treatments are generally discouraged in adults.
Progenitor cells also may die or lose the ability to function due to drugs, radiation, infection, or other toxic event. Depending on which progenitor cells cease to work, the person may develop pure red cell aplasia (lack of red blood cells), megakaryocytic aplasia (absence of platelets) or leukopenia (low white blood cell count).
Other types of bone marrow abnormalities, such as myeloproliferative disorder, a disease in which bone marrow cells multiply outside of the bone marrow tissue, or myelodysplastic ("preleukemia") syndromes, are the result of marrow dysfunction in either the stem cells or progenitor cell lines.
Spleen
The spleen is a vital organ that is located on the left side of the body under the lower rib cage. It is a "ductless gland" that is closely associated with the circulatory system. The adult spleen - which holds the largest collection of blood-filtering lymphatic tissue in the body - is roughly 5 inches long and weighs about 5 to 7 ounces, but these measurements vary greatly with age, nutrition, disease status, and other factors.
The spleen contains a white pulp of lymphoid tissues and a red pulp that contains red blood cells and hollow cavities called sinuses. Both red and white pulps are abundant in phagocytes, the cells that consume foreign substances within the body. The spleen manufactures lymphocytes and other immune system cells to combat infection. It is a storehouse for healthy blood cells, and its lymphatic tissue filters out old and damaged blood cells, microorganisms, and cell waste. In case of bone marrow malfunction, the spleen may assume the role of blood cell formation.
Certain leukemia patients may develop splenomegaly - an enlarged spleen. In some forms of leukemia, such as chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) and hairy cell leukemia (HCL), splenectomy (removal of the spleen) may be an effective form of treatment. Splenectomy is one of many therapeutic options for HCL
© 1998-2006
by Healthcommunities.com, Inc. All rights reserved.
leukemia symptoms : Diagnosis
Once the physician suspects that a patient's blood is abnormal, he or she will want to perform blood and bone marrow tests to rule out leukemia. Additional tissue samples may be needed to confirm the diagnosis or to help plan treatment.
Blood Tests
In cases of questionable leukemia, a number of blood tests are performed. Such tests evaluate the type and quantity of blood cells that are present, the blood chemistry, and other factors.
Full blood count Full blood count to establish the numbers of different blood cell types within the circulation. Low numbers of red or white blood cells are described as anemia or leukopenia, respectively. Low numbers of "young" red blood cells (reticulocytes) are described as reticulocytopenia. High leukocyte or reticulocyte counts are called leukocytosis or reticulocytosis, respectively. A lack of mature neutrophils (bacteria-destroying white blood cells) is known as neutropenia or granulocytopenia. Thrombocytopenia is the term used for a low number of blood-clotting platelets, and thrombocytosis refers to a high number of platelets.
Differential blood count Differential blood count to determine the relative proportion of blood cell types within the bloodstream. In particular, the percentage of immature leukemic "blast" cells is noted. People with acute leukemia (either acute lymphocytic leukemia [ALL] or acute myelogenous leukemia [AML]) often have too many leukocytes (white blood cells), too few erythrocytes (red blood cells) and/or too few platelets. Often many of the leukocytes in these individuals are immature "blast" cells.
Hematocrit assay Hematocrit assay to determine the proportion of the blood that is occupied by erythrocytes (red blood cells); normal men: 46% (39.8 - 52.2); normal women: 40.9% (34.9 - 46.9).
Hemoglobin level Hemoglobin level to evaluate the amount of oxygen-carrying pigment in the erythrocytes; normal men: 15.5 g/dl blood (13.3 - 17.7); normal women: 13.7 g/dl blood (11.7 - 15.7).
Blood coagulation Blood coagulation variables to determine whether there are problems with clotting. Such variables include prothrombin time, partial prothrombin time (PPT), clotting time, coagulation factors II, V, VII, IX, X, XI, and XII, plasminogen, and plasminogen activator.
Blood morphology and staining Blood morphology and staining to identify abnormalities in cell shape, structure, and the condition of the cell nucleus. Some abnormalities common to red blood cells include anisocytosis (excessive variations in size), poikilocytosis (abnormal red blood cell shapes), and macrocytosis (abnormally large cells). Neutrophils often show nuclear and cell-based abnormalities, as well as loss of granulation. Platelets may show giant forms that are deficient in granules.
Blood chemistry Blood chemistry to measure the type and amount of enzymes, minerals, and other substances within the blood. Typical tests include measuring the serum enzyme lactic dehydrogenase; measuring the leukocyte enzyme alkaline phophatase, especially for the diagnosis of chronic myelogenous leukemia, or CML; measuring serum vitamin B12, which can be increased to roughly 15 times normal in CML patients; and measuring serum levels of calcium, potassium, phosphate, and uric acid (excess uric acid in the blood, or hyperuricemia, is common in lymphocytic leukemia and lymphoma). These tests are used to identify kidney or liver damage that may be caused by leukemic cell breakdown or by drugs used for chemotherapy
© 1998-2006
by Healthcommunities.com, Inc. All rights reserved.
Blood Tests
In cases of questionable leukemia, a number of blood tests are performed. Such tests evaluate the type and quantity of blood cells that are present, the blood chemistry, and other factors.
Full blood count Full blood count to establish the numbers of different blood cell types within the circulation. Low numbers of red or white blood cells are described as anemia or leukopenia, respectively. Low numbers of "young" red blood cells (reticulocytes) are described as reticulocytopenia. High leukocyte or reticulocyte counts are called leukocytosis or reticulocytosis, respectively. A lack of mature neutrophils (bacteria-destroying white blood cells) is known as neutropenia or granulocytopenia. Thrombocytopenia is the term used for a low number of blood-clotting platelets, and thrombocytosis refers to a high number of platelets.
Differential blood count Differential blood count to determine the relative proportion of blood cell types within the bloodstream. In particular, the percentage of immature leukemic "blast" cells is noted. People with acute leukemia (either acute lymphocytic leukemia [ALL] or acute myelogenous leukemia [AML]) often have too many leukocytes (white blood cells), too few erythrocytes (red blood cells) and/or too few platelets. Often many of the leukocytes in these individuals are immature "blast" cells.
Hematocrit assay Hematocrit assay to determine the proportion of the blood that is occupied by erythrocytes (red blood cells); normal men: 46% (39.8 - 52.2); normal women: 40.9% (34.9 - 46.9).
Hemoglobin level Hemoglobin level to evaluate the amount of oxygen-carrying pigment in the erythrocytes; normal men: 15.5 g/dl blood (13.3 - 17.7); normal women: 13.7 g/dl blood (11.7 - 15.7).
Blood coagulation Blood coagulation variables to determine whether there are problems with clotting. Such variables include prothrombin time, partial prothrombin time (PPT), clotting time, coagulation factors II, V, VII, IX, X, XI, and XII, plasminogen, and plasminogen activator.
Blood morphology and staining Blood morphology and staining to identify abnormalities in cell shape, structure, and the condition of the cell nucleus. Some abnormalities common to red blood cells include anisocytosis (excessive variations in size), poikilocytosis (abnormal red blood cell shapes), and macrocytosis (abnormally large cells). Neutrophils often show nuclear and cell-based abnormalities, as well as loss of granulation. Platelets may show giant forms that are deficient in granules.
Blood chemistry Blood chemistry to measure the type and amount of enzymes, minerals, and other substances within the blood. Typical tests include measuring the serum enzyme lactic dehydrogenase; measuring the leukocyte enzyme alkaline phophatase, especially for the diagnosis of chronic myelogenous leukemia, or CML; measuring serum vitamin B12, which can be increased to roughly 15 times normal in CML patients; and measuring serum levels of calcium, potassium, phosphate, and uric acid (excess uric acid in the blood, or hyperuricemia, is common in lymphocytic leukemia and lymphoma). These tests are used to identify kidney or liver damage that may be caused by leukemic cell breakdown or by drugs used for chemotherapy
© 1998-2006
by Healthcommunities.com, Inc. All rights reserved.
leukemia symptoms : Leukemia
Signs and Symptoms
The first indications of leukemia often are nonspecific or vague. They may occur with other cancerous as well as noncancerous disorders. Although signs and symptoms vary for each type of leukemia, there are some general features. Broad symptoms of leukemia may include:
Fatigue
Malaise (vague feeling of bodily discomfort)
Abnormal bleeding
Excessive bruising
Weakness
Reduced exercise tolerance
Weight loss
Bone or joint pain
Infection and fever
Abdominal pain or "fullness"
Enlarged spleen, lymph nodes, and liver
Chronic leukemia often goes undetected for many years until it is identified in a routine blood test. In fact, nearly one in five chronic leukemia patients have no symptoms at the time of their diagnosis. Most symptoms of acute leukemia are caused by a lack of normal blood cells. This is due to overcrowding of the blood-forming bone marrow by leukemia cells.
Signs of Blood Abnormalities
Once the patient's blood is tested, signs of specific blood abnormalities may be noted, such as:
Anemia - a low number of erythrocytes (red blood cells) within the blood. Anemia can cause fatigue, "pale" skin coloration, and respiratory difficulties such as shortness of breath.
Leukopenia - a low number of normal leukocytes (white blood cells) that may increase the risk of infection.
Neutropenia (granulocytopenia) - too few mature neutrophils, the mature bacteria-destroying white blood cells that contain small particles, or granules.
Thrombocytopenia - a low number of blood-clotting platelets that can result in excessive bruising, abnormal bleeding, or frequent bleeding of the nose or gums.
Thrombocytosis - a high number of platelets. Some patients, especially those with chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML), may exhibit thrombocytosis, although their platelets may not clot properly, causing bruising and bleeding difficulties.
Because leukemia may cause enlarged spleen (splenomegaly) and enlarged liver hepatomegaly (enlarged liver), the overgrowth of these organs may appear as belly "fullness" or swelling. Such fullness may be palpated (felt) by the physician during physical examination. Lymph node enlargement may or may not be apparent, although imaging studies should be able to confirm any lymphatic disease.
Leukemia that has spread to the brain may produce central nervous system effects, such as headaches, seizures, weakness, blurred vision, balance difficulties, or vomiting.
Certain forms of leukemia produce more distinct symptoms. For example, acute myelogenous leukemia (AML), particularly the M5 monocytic form, may generate tell-tale symptoms such as:
swollen, painful, and bleeding gums - if AML has spread to the oral tissue;
pigmented (colored) rash-like spots - if AML has spread to the skin; or
chloromas (granulocytic sarcomas; collections of tumorous cells within the skin or other body parts) - if AML has
spread to the skin or other organs.
The T-cell variety of acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL) may cause the thymus to enlarge and press on the trachea (windpipe). Such pressure may lead to:
shortness of breath,
coughing, or
suffocation.
If the overgrown thymus presses upon the superior vena cava (SVC), the large vein that carries blood from the head and arms back to the heart, this may produce SVC syndrome (swelling of the head and arms). SVC involvement of the brain can be fatal.
© 1998-2006
by Healthcommunities.com, Inc. All rights reserved
The first indications of leukemia often are nonspecific or vague. They may occur with other cancerous as well as noncancerous disorders. Although signs and symptoms vary for each type of leukemia, there are some general features. Broad symptoms of leukemia may include:
Fatigue
Malaise (vague feeling of bodily discomfort)
Abnormal bleeding
Excessive bruising
Weakness
Reduced exercise tolerance
Weight loss
Bone or joint pain
Infection and fever
Abdominal pain or "fullness"
Enlarged spleen, lymph nodes, and liver
Chronic leukemia often goes undetected for many years until it is identified in a routine blood test. In fact, nearly one in five chronic leukemia patients have no symptoms at the time of their diagnosis. Most symptoms of acute leukemia are caused by a lack of normal blood cells. This is due to overcrowding of the blood-forming bone marrow by leukemia cells.
Signs of Blood Abnormalities
Once the patient's blood is tested, signs of specific blood abnormalities may be noted, such as:
Anemia - a low number of erythrocytes (red blood cells) within the blood. Anemia can cause fatigue, "pale" skin coloration, and respiratory difficulties such as shortness of breath.
Leukopenia - a low number of normal leukocytes (white blood cells) that may increase the risk of infection.
Neutropenia (granulocytopenia) - too few mature neutrophils, the mature bacteria-destroying white blood cells that contain small particles, or granules.
Thrombocytopenia - a low number of blood-clotting platelets that can result in excessive bruising, abnormal bleeding, or frequent bleeding of the nose or gums.
Thrombocytosis - a high number of platelets. Some patients, especially those with chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML), may exhibit thrombocytosis, although their platelets may not clot properly, causing bruising and bleeding difficulties.
Because leukemia may cause enlarged spleen (splenomegaly) and enlarged liver hepatomegaly (enlarged liver), the overgrowth of these organs may appear as belly "fullness" or swelling. Such fullness may be palpated (felt) by the physician during physical examination. Lymph node enlargement may or may not be apparent, although imaging studies should be able to confirm any lymphatic disease.
Leukemia that has spread to the brain may produce central nervous system effects, such as headaches, seizures, weakness, blurred vision, balance difficulties, or vomiting.
Certain forms of leukemia produce more distinct symptoms. For example, acute myelogenous leukemia (AML), particularly the M5 monocytic form, may generate tell-tale symptoms such as:
swollen, painful, and bleeding gums - if AML has spread to the oral tissue;
pigmented (colored) rash-like spots - if AML has spread to the skin; or
chloromas (granulocytic sarcomas; collections of tumorous cells within the skin or other body parts) - if AML has
spread to the skin or other organs.
The T-cell variety of acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL) may cause the thymus to enlarge and press on the trachea (windpipe). Such pressure may lead to:
shortness of breath,
coughing, or
suffocation.
If the overgrown thymus presses upon the superior vena cava (SVC), the large vein that carries blood from the head and arms back to the heart, this may produce SVC syndrome (swelling of the head and arms). SVC involvement of the brain can be fatal.
© 1998-2006
by Healthcommunities.com, Inc. All rights reserved
