Battling Leukaemia: When Blood Becomes An Enemy!

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Understanding Leukaemia

Leukaemia is a type of blood cancer that occurs when white blood cells do not function properly and multiply uncontrollably. It causes immature white blood cells to accumulate in the bone marrow and disrupt the production of other healthy blood cells. As a result, leukaemia patients experience a shortage of properly functioning red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets.

Causes and Risk Factors of Leukaemia

The main cause of leukaemia is still unknown, but there are several risk factors associated with this cancer, including:

• Genetics: Family history and inherited genetic disorders such as Down syndrome and ataxia-telangiectasia increase the risk of developing leukaemia.

• Radiation: Exposure to radiation such as radiation therapy or atomic bomb testing increases the risk of leukaemia. This also includes nuclear industry workers and exposure to radiation during childhood.

• Chemicals and Toxins: Certain chemicals and toxins such as benzene and formaldehyde used in some industries and processes have been linked to an increased risk of leukaemia.

• Viruses: Certain viruses, including T-cell leukaemia/lymphoma virus and Epstein-Barr virus, have been linked to an increased risk of leukaemia.

• Vitamin Deficiency: Deficiency in vitamins such as vitamin D and folate can also increase a person's risk.

• Smoking: Smoking exposes you to various harmful chemicals, including tar, carbon monoxide, benzene and formaldehyde. This exposure can alter white blood cells and lead to uncontrolled multiplication causing leukaemia.

• Weak Immunity: Leukaemia is also highly susceptible to those with weakened immune systems, such as organ transplant recipients or people with bone marrow failure.

• Age: As people age, their risk of blood cancer rises. Most cases occur in people over 60 years of age.

Symptoms and Signs of Leukaemia

​Most leukaemia symptoms appear slowly and are often mistaken for other common illnesses. Here are some symptoms and signs of leukaemia that need attention:

1. Numbness and Weakness

These symptoms typically result from a lack of red blood cells in the body, which causes an insufficiency of oxygen circulation throughout the body and makes the patient feel weak and numb.

2. Recurring Infections

Abnormal white blood cells in leukaemia patients cannot function properly, making the body more susceptible to recurring infections.

3. Excessive Bleeding

Bleeding can occur in the nose, gums and inside the stomach. Patients may also experience unexplained bruises on their body.

4. Swollen Lymph Nodes

Lymph nodes usually swell when the body is fighting an infection. However, if the lymph nodes remain swollen and do not heal, this could be an early sign of leukaemia.

5. Bone Pain

Abnormal white blood cells in leukaemia can also affect the bone marrow, causing leukaemia patients to experience long-lasting bone pain.

6. Fever

Fever is also a sign of the body fighting an infection. However, it could be a sign of leukaemia if the fever persists for several days or weeks without a clear cause.

7. Skin Rash

Leukaemia can also cause skin rashes, such as small red bumps or red spots under the skin. These rashes usually appear on sun-exposed parts of the body or areas with pressure or friction, such as knees, elbows and feet.

How to Detect Leukaemia

​For the best chance of effective treatment and recovery, leukaemia must be identified as soon as possible. Here are some methods for identifying leukaemia:

1. Physical Examination

Physical examination is the first step in detecting leukaemia. The doctor will examine your skin, kidneys and lymph nodes to determine if there is swelling or other changes. The doctor will also check your pulse and blood pressure.

2. Blood Test

The most typical diagnostic procedure used to find leukaemia is a blood test. The doctor will take a sample of blood to be analysed in a laboratory which will determine the number of white blood cells and the level of haemoglobin. High or low levels of white blood cells may indicate the presence of leukaemia.

3. Bone Marrow Biopsy

A biopsy procedure involves taking a sample of bone marrow using a special needle to be sent to the laboratory for analysis. A bone marrow biopsy test can indicate the type of leukaemia and the severity of the disease.

4. Imaging

X-rays, MRIs and other imaging procedures can all be used to detect leukaemia. Imaging can help the doctor see how the lymph nodes and internal organs are doing. This is a critical stage in the leukaemia detection process.

5. Immunophenotyping Test

The most recent diagnostic method for finding leukaemia is the immunophenotyping test. In this procedure, the type of leukaemia cell is precisely identified using technology. The highly sensitive immunophenotyping test can aid medical professionals in creating more efficient treatment plans.

6. Consult an Expert

When you experience suspicious symptoms, it is important to see a doctor as soon as possible. The doctor will refer you to a haematology or oncology specialist for the management and treatment of leukaemia. The likelihood of a full recovery increases with earlier cancer detection.

Treating Leukaemia

​Depending on the type and stage of the leukaemia, the treatment may involve a variety of approaches. Here are some potential leukaemia treatment options:

• Chemotherapy

One of the most popular leukaemia treatments is chemotherapy. Specific medications that aid in the death of cancer cells are used in this treatment. These drugs can be taken orally or intravenously.

Chemotherapy can be administered as a stand-alone therapy or in conjunction with other forms of therapy like radiation therapy or immunotherapy.

• Radiation Therapy

Cancer can be treated with radiation therapy, which employs radiation to kill cancer cells. In most cases, this therapy is used in conjunction with chemotherapy, particularly when treating acute leukaemia.

Radiation therapy is typically administered in a series of sessions and can be performed at a hospital or cancer treatment facility.

• Immunotherapy 

Immunotherapy is a type of therapy that boosts the immune system to help the body fight cancer. Drugs that stimulate the immune system to find and eliminate cancer cells are used in this treatment. The most common treatment for chronic leukaemia is immunotherapy.

• Stem Cell Transplantation

Stem cells from the patient's bone marrow or those from a donor whose body is genetically similar to the patient are transplanted as part of the leukaemia treatment procedure known as stem cell transplantation.

The new stem cells will create healthy blood cells to replace those blood cells that chemotherapy or radiation therapy have destroyed. More severe acute leukaemia is typically treated with this method.

• Targeted Therapy

By influencing particular proteins or molecules involved in the growth process, drugs with a targeted approach to cancer treatment can reduce the number of cancer cells. Usually, chronic leukaemia patients are treated with this method.

• Combination Treatment

Patients' chances of recovery can be improved by combining several leukaemia treatment options. To improve treatment outcomes, combination therapies like chemotherapy, radiation therapy and targeted therapy are frequently used.

Preventive Measures for Leukaemia

Here are some steps that can be taken to prevent leukaemia:

• Quit Smoking - Smoking is a major risk factor for blood cancer, including leukaemia. Quitting smoking can reduce your risk.

• Healthy Eating Habits - Eating a balanced and nutritious diet is important for maintaining good health. Choose foods that are rich in nutrients such as vegetables, fruits, whole grains, proteins and healthy fats to ensure good health.

• Physical Exercise - Regular physical exercise can help reduce weight, balance hormones, improve blood circulation and boost the immune system. This can help reduce the risk of Leukaemia and other diseases.

• Avoid Harmful Chemicals - Exposure to harmful chemicals such as pesticides and chemicals in beauty products can increase the risk of leukaemia. Therefore, be careful not to expose yourself or others to dangerous chemicals at home or at work.

• Avoid Radiation Exposure - Leukaemia risk can be raised by exposure to radiation, including X-rays and gamma rays. In the event that you are exposed to radiation, make sure to take the necessary precautions.

• Regular Check-ups - Leukaemia and other forms of blood cancer can be caught early on thanks to routine check-ups. This can raise the likelihood of a successful outcome and lower the risk of complications.

Don't Lose Hope!

Despite the fact that leukaemia is a serious condition, there is still a chance for recovery and returning to normalcy. Receiving support from loved ones and close friends is just as important as physically fighting the disease. This kind of moral and emotional support can help patients feel less stressed and more motivated to fight their illness. Maintain hope and fight on with a positive attitude!

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