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Diagnosing Leukemia Cancer
Leukemia - is cancer of the blood or blood-forming organs. Each year roughly 30
000 people in the US find out that they have leukemia. Approximately 2000 of
these are children. There are different types of leukemia which is classified by
the type of blood cell affected and by the development cycle. Lymphocytic
leukemia is named after the leukemia that affects lymphoid cells while
myelogenous luekemia affects myeloid cells. Both types of cells are types of
white blood cells.
Symptoms: White blood cells are the cells that help the body fight infection.
Effects of leukemia therefore can be manifested in higher number of infections.
The most common symptoms are flu-like symptoms, fever, chills, weakness,
fatigue, loss of appetite, weight loss, swollen lymph nodes, easy bruising,
swollen (or bleeding) gums, bone/joint pain and as indicated before a general
increase in infections. There may also be a condition called petechiae which is
categorized by the presence of tiny red spots under the skin.
Diagnosis: Blood tests usually determine a higher number of white blood cells in
the blood. After determining that the patient has leukemia, the doctor will need
to determine the type of cancer by ordering additional tests. These tests
include removal of bone marrow and spinal fluid for examination.
Treatment: Leukemia is a complicated cancer to treat and will vary depending on
the individual. Most leukemia patients undergo chemotherapy. Some may require
surgery to remove the spleen. In some cases radiation therapy is also given. The
exact treatment will vary with each case. .
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