Recognizing Leukemia: Symptoms and Treatment Strategies

Leukemia is a blood cancer that initiates in the bone marrow, disrupting normal blood cell production. It primarily affects white blood cells, compromising immune defenses. When these cells turn malignant, they multiply rapidly, leading to weakened immunity and increased infection risk. Common signs include persistent fatigue, unexplained bruising, night sweats, and swollen lymph nodes. Treatment approaches involve chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and stem cell transplants, aiming to restore healthy blood function. Early detection significantly improves prognosis.

• Repeated infections
• Excessive sweating at night
• Bone discomfort or tenderness
• Swelling of the liver or spleen
• Unintentional weight loss
• Fever with chills
• Petechiae or red skin spots
• Swollen lymph nodes in neck and armpits

Treatment options

Leukemia treatments are administered by oncologists and hematologists, tailored to the specific type and stage. Common options include:

• Chemotherapy: Utilizes drug combinations to destroy leukemia cells, chosen based on leukemia subtype.
• Radiation therapy: Uses targeted high-energy rays to eradicate cancer cells, either locally or throughout the body, depending on disease extent.
• Stem cell transplantation: Involves replacing diseased bone marrow with healthy stem cells to restore normal blood production.
• Additional therapies: Biological and immune-based treatments, often combined with targeted medications, may be part of the management plan.

Early diagnosis and prompt treatment greatly improve the chances of remission and long-term survival.