Leukaemia

Leukaemia cancer is described as a medical condition when there is an uncontrolled production of abnormal white blood cells, the part of the human immune system responsible for fighting back infection.

There are four types of leukemia cancer, including chronic lymphocytic leukaemia, acute lymphoblastic leukaemia, acute myeloid leukaemia and chronic myeloid leukaemia.

The risk factors for lukaemia include age, gender, genetics, chemical exposure and the presence of a bone marrow disorder. The signs and symptoms of leukemia include anaemia, weakness, shortness of breath, palpitations, infections, fever, malaise, purpura and bleeding.

Leukaemia diagnosis is possible only through a laboratory test. Besides, a bone marrow sample is taken for a test which usually detects signs of leukaemia. The different stages of leukaemia are defined as standard or high-risk or low-risk.

Leukaemia treatment is done with chemotherapy, radiation therapy, biological therapy, targeted therapy and stem cell transplant. Chemotherapy involves cell-killing drugs that are used for lymphoid leukaemia. Radiation therapy is used for stem cell transplant.