Leukemia
Leukemia is a type of cancer found in your blood and bone marrow and is caused
by the rapid production of abnormal white blood cells. These abnormal white
blood cells are not able to fight infection and impair the ability of the bone
marrow to produce red blood cells and platelets.
Leukemia can be either acute or chronic. Chronic leukemia progresses more slowly
than acute leukemia, which requires immediate treatment. Leukemia is also
classified as lymphocytic or myelogenous. Lymphocytic leukemia refers to
abnormal cell growth in the marrow cells that become lymphocytes, a type of
white blood cell that plays a role in the immune system. In myelogenous
leukemia, abnormal cell growth occurs in the marrow cells that mature into red
blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. There are four broad
classifications of leukemia:
Acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL)
Acute myelogenous leukemia (AML)
Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL)
Chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML)
Leukemia occurs in both adults and children. ALL is the most common form
ofchildhood leukemia, and AML is the second most common. Decades of research
have led to vastly improved outcomes for children diagnosed with ALL. The two
most common adult leukemias are AML and CLL.
Am I at Risk?
Although experts are uncertain about the causes of leukemia, they have
identified several risk factors that include the following:
Exposure to high levels of radiation
Repeated exposure to certain chemicals (for example, benzene)
Chemotherapy
Down Syndrome
A strong family history of leukemia
Symptoms vary depending on the type and stage of leukemia, but they can include
the following:
Fever, chills, night sweats and other flu-like symptoms
Weakness and fatigue
Swollen or bleeding gums
Headaches
Enlarged liver and spleen
Swollen tonsils
Bone pain
Paleness
Pinhead-size red spots on the skin
Weight loss
How Is Leukemia Treated?
Your doctor will conduct a complete blood count (CBC) to determine if you have
leukemia. This test may reveal if you have leukemic cells. Abnormal levels of
white blood cells and abnormally low red blood cell or platelet counts can also
indicate leukemia. If you test positive for leukemia, your doctor will perform a
biopsy of your bone marrow to determine which type you have.
Treatment depends on your age, general health, and type of leukemia. You might
receive a combination of treatments that could include chemotherapy, biological
therapy, radiation therapy, and stem cell transplantation. Patients with acute
leukemia often undergo chemotherapy because this type of treatment targets
fast-dividing cells. Many acute leukemia patients have responded successfully to
treatment. On the other hand, because the cells divide more slowly in chronic
leukemia, it is better treated with targeted therapies that attack slowly
dividing cells as opposed to traditional chemotherapy that targets rapidly
dividing cells.
For some patients, participating in a clinical trial provides access to
experimental therapies. If you are diagnosed with leukemia, talk with your
doctor about whether joining a clinical trial is right for you.
Is Leukemia Preventable?
Because the cause of leukemia remains unknown, there is no certain way to
prevent it. However, avoiding exposure to solvents, such as benzene and toluene,
and unnecessary exposure to x-rays is generally good practice. If you think you
may be exhibiting signs of leukemia, being aware of the risk factors and
symptoms and talking with your doctor are critical to early diagnosis and
treatment. It is especially important for people who have a family history of
leukemia to be aware of symptoms and share their family medical history with
their doctors.
Lymphoma
About half of the blood cancers that occur each year are lymphomas, or cancers
of the lymphatic system. This system - composed of lymph nodes in your neck,
armpits, groin, chest, and abdomen - removes excess fluids from your body and
produces immune cells. Abnormal lymphocytes, a type of white blood cell that
fights infection, become lymphoma cells, which multiply and collect in your
lymph nodes. Over time, these cancerous cells impair your immune system.
Lymphomas are divided into two categories: Hodgkin lymphoma and non-Hodgkin
lymphoma. About 12 percent of people with lymphoma have Hodgkin lymphoma.
Because of breakthrough research, this once fatal diagnosis has been transformed
into a curable condition. Most non-Hodgkin lymphomas are B-cell lymphomas, and
either grow quickly (high-grade) or slowly (low-grade). There are 14 types of
B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphomas. The rest are T-cell lymphomas, named after a
different cancerous white blood cell, or lymphocyte
Am I at Risk?
The exact causes of lymphoma remain unknown; however, the following factors
increase your risk of developing the disease:
Older age
Male
Caucasian
Having an autoimmune disease
HIV/AIDS
Diet high in meats and fat
Being exposed to certain pesticides
Symptoms of lymphoma include the following:
Swollen lymph nodes in the neck, armpits, or groin
Fever
Weakness and fatigue
Weight loss
Sweating
Difficulty breathing or chest pain
Itchy skin
Rash
How is Lymphoma Treated?
Your doctor will perform a lymph node biopsy to diagnose lymphoma. Additional
tests are then conducted to determine the stage (extent) of the lymphoma
including blood tests, bone marrow biopsies, and imaging tests, such as a CT
scan or PET scan. Imaging tests show whether the lymphoma has spread to other
parts of your body, like the spleen and lungs. Decisions about treatment are
then determined by your doctor, who will consider your age, general health, and
stage and type of lymphoma. Hodgkin lymphoma is one of the most curable types of
cancer.
Treatment options include the following:
Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy and radiation that directly targets the lymphoma
Biological therapies, such as antibodies, directed at lymphoma cells
Stem cell transplant
For some patients, participating in a clinical trial provides access to
experimental therapies. If you are diagnosed with lymphoma, talk with your
doctor about whether joining a clinical trial is right for you.
Is Lymphoma Preventable?
Because the cause of lymphoma remains unknown, there is no real way to prevent
it. However, if you think you may be exhibiting signs of lymphoma, being aware
of the risk factors and symptoms and talking with your doctor are critical to
early diagnosis and treatment. It is especially important if you have a family
history of lymphoma to look out for symptoms and share your family medical
history with your doctor.
If you suspect that you have or are at risk for lymphoma, talk with your doctor
about detection and treatment. Depending on your physical condition, genetics,
and medical history, you may be referred to a hematologist, a doctor who
specializes in blood conditions.
Myeloma
Myeloma is cancer of the plasma cells. Plasma cells are white blood cells that produce disease- and infection-fighting antibodies in your body. Myeloma cells prevent the normal production of antibodies, leaving your body's immune system weakened and susceptible to infection. The multiplication of myeloma cells also interferes with the normal production and function of red and white blood cells. An abnormally high amount of these dysfunctional antibodies in the bloodstream can cause kidney damage. Additionally, the myeloma cells commonly produce substances that cause bone destruction, leading to bone pain and/or fractures.
Myeloma cells are produced in the bone marrow, the soft tissue inside your bones. Sometimes myeloma cells will travel through your blood stream and collect in other bones in your body. Because myeloma frequently occurs at many sites in the bone marrow, it is often referred to as multiple myeloma.
Am I at Risk?
Signs and symptoms of myeloma include the following:
Hypercalcemia (excessive calcium in the blood)
Anemia (shortage or reduced function of red blood cells)
Renal damage (kidney failure)
Susceptibility to infection
Osteoporosis, bone pain, bone swelling or fracture
High protein levels in the blood and/or urine
Weight loss
Myeloma occurs more frequently in the following populations:
African-American
Over the age of 50
Male
Obese
Exposed to radiation
Work in petroleum-related industries
How Is Myeloma Treated?
If you have myeloma, there are many treatment options available that slow the growth of the myeloma cells and help ease bone pain, fatigue, and other symptoms associated with the disease. The type of treatment depends on your health and the type and stage of myeloma.
Treatment options for myeloma include the following:
Chemotherapy
Immunomodulators (drugs that target specific areas of the immune system)
Anemia drugs
Radiation therapy
Stem cell transplant
For some patients, participating in a clinical trial provides access to experimental therapies. If you are diagnosed with myeloma, talk with your doctor about whether joining a clinical trial is right for you.
Is Myeloma Preventable?
Because doctors have yet to pinpoint what causes myeloma, there is no certain way to prevent it. Be aware of the risks and symptoms, especially if you have a family history of myeloma.
If you are experiencing symptoms or are at risk for myeloma, talk with your doctor about detection and treatment. Depending on your physical condition, genetics, and medical history, you may be referred to a hematologist, a doctor who specializes in blood conditions.
Leukemia is a type of cancer found in your blood and bone marrow and is caused
by the rapid production of abnormal white blood cells. These abnormal white
blood cells are not able to fight infection and impair the ability of the bone
marrow to produce red blood cells and platelets.
Leukemia can be either acute or chronic. Chronic leukemia progresses more slowly
than acute leukemia, which requires immediate treatment. Leukemia is also
classified as lymphocytic or myelogenous. Lymphocytic leukemia refers to
abnormal cell growth in the marrow cells that become lymphocytes, a type of
white blood cell that plays a role in the immune system. In myelogenous
leukemia, abnormal cell growth occurs in the marrow cells that mature into red
blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. There are four broad
classifications of leukemia:
Acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL)
Acute myelogenous leukemia (AML)
Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL)
Chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML)
Leukemia occurs in both adults and children. ALL is the most common form
ofchildhood leukemia, and AML is the second most common. Decades of research
have led to vastly improved outcomes for children diagnosed with ALL. The two
most common adult leukemias are AML and CLL.
Am I at Risk?
Although experts are uncertain about the causes of leukemia, they have
identified several risk factors that include the following:
Exposure to high levels of radiation
Repeated exposure to certain chemicals (for example, benzene)
Chemotherapy
Down Syndrome
A strong family history of leukemia
Symptoms vary depending on the type and stage of leukemia, but they can include
the following:
Fever, chills, night sweats and other flu-like symptoms
Weakness and fatigue
Swollen or bleeding gums
Headaches
Enlarged liver and spleen
Swollen tonsils
Bone pain
Paleness
Pinhead-size red spots on the skin
Weight loss
How Is Leukemia Treated?
Your doctor will conduct a complete blood count (CBC) to determine if you have
leukemia. This test may reveal if you have leukemic cells. Abnormal levels of
white blood cells and abnormally low red blood cell or platelet counts can also
indicate leukemia. If you test positive for leukemia, your doctor will perform a
biopsy of your bone marrow to determine which type you have.
Treatment depends on your age, general health, and type of leukemia. You might
receive a combination of treatments that could include chemotherapy, biological
therapy, radiation therapy, and stem cell transplantation. Patients with acute
leukemia often undergo chemotherapy because this type of treatment targets
fast-dividing cells. Many acute leukemia patients have responded successfully to
treatment. On the other hand, because the cells divide more slowly in chronic
leukemia, it is better treated with targeted therapies that attack slowly
dividing cells as opposed to traditional chemotherapy that targets rapidly
dividing cells.
For some patients, participating in a clinical trial provides access to
experimental therapies. If you are diagnosed with leukemia, talk with your
doctor about whether joining a clinical trial is right for you.
Is Leukemia Preventable?
Because the cause of leukemia remains unknown, there is no certain way to
prevent it. However, avoiding exposure to solvents, such as benzene and toluene,
and unnecessary exposure to x-rays is generally good practice. If you think you
may be exhibiting signs of leukemia, being aware of the risk factors and
symptoms and talking with your doctor are critical to early diagnosis and
treatment. It is especially important for people who have a family history of
leukemia to be aware of symptoms and share their family medical history with
their doctors.
Lymphoma
About half of the blood cancers that occur each year are lymphomas, or cancers
of the lymphatic system. This system - composed of lymph nodes in your neck,
armpits, groin, chest, and abdomen - removes excess fluids from your body and
produces immune cells. Abnormal lymphocytes, a type of white blood cell that
fights infection, become lymphoma cells, which multiply and collect in your
lymph nodes. Over time, these cancerous cells impair your immune system.
Lymphomas are divided into two categories: Hodgkin lymphoma and non-Hodgkin
lymphoma. About 12 percent of people with lymphoma have Hodgkin lymphoma.
Because of breakthrough research, this once fatal diagnosis has been transformed
into a curable condition. Most non-Hodgkin lymphomas are B-cell lymphomas, and
either grow quickly (high-grade) or slowly (low-grade). There are 14 types of
B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphomas. The rest are T-cell lymphomas, named after a
different cancerous white blood cell, or lymphocyte
Am I at Risk?
The exact causes of lymphoma remain unknown; however, the following factors
increase your risk of developing the disease:
Older age
Male
Caucasian
Having an autoimmune disease
HIV/AIDS
Diet high in meats and fat
Being exposed to certain pesticides
Symptoms of lymphoma include the following:
Swollen lymph nodes in the neck, armpits, or groin
Fever
Weakness and fatigue
Weight loss
Sweating
Difficulty breathing or chest pain
Itchy skin
Rash
How is Lymphoma Treated?
Your doctor will perform a lymph node biopsy to diagnose lymphoma. Additional
tests are then conducted to determine the stage (extent) of the lymphoma
including blood tests, bone marrow biopsies, and imaging tests, such as a CT
scan or PET scan. Imaging tests show whether the lymphoma has spread to other
parts of your body, like the spleen and lungs. Decisions about treatment are
then determined by your doctor, who will consider your age, general health, and
stage and type of lymphoma. Hodgkin lymphoma is one of the most curable types of
cancer.
Treatment options include the following:
Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy and radiation that directly targets the lymphoma
Biological therapies, such as antibodies, directed at lymphoma cells
Stem cell transplant
For some patients, participating in a clinical trial provides access to
experimental therapies. If you are diagnosed with lymphoma, talk with your
doctor about whether joining a clinical trial is right for you.
Is Lymphoma Preventable?
Because the cause of lymphoma remains unknown, there is no real way to prevent
it. However, if you think you may be exhibiting signs of lymphoma, being aware
of the risk factors and symptoms and talking with your doctor are critical to
early diagnosis and treatment. It is especially important if you have a family
history of lymphoma to look out for symptoms and share your family medical
history with your doctor.
If you suspect that you have or are at risk for lymphoma, talk with your doctor
about detection and treatment. Depending on your physical condition, genetics,
and medical history, you may be referred to a hematologist, a doctor who
specializes in blood conditions.
Myeloma
Myeloma is cancer of the plasma cells. Plasma cells are white blood cells that produce disease- and infection-fighting antibodies in your body. Myeloma cells prevent the normal production of antibodies, leaving your body's immune system weakened and susceptible to infection. The multiplication of myeloma cells also interferes with the normal production and function of red and white blood cells. An abnormally high amount of these dysfunctional antibodies in the bloodstream can cause kidney damage. Additionally, the myeloma cells commonly produce substances that cause bone destruction, leading to bone pain and/or fractures.
Myeloma cells are produced in the bone marrow, the soft tissue inside your bones. Sometimes myeloma cells will travel through your blood stream and collect in other bones in your body. Because myeloma frequently occurs at many sites in the bone marrow, it is often referred to as multiple myeloma.
Am I at Risk?
Signs and symptoms of myeloma include the following:
Hypercalcemia (excessive calcium in the blood)
Anemia (shortage or reduced function of red blood cells)
Renal damage (kidney failure)
Susceptibility to infection
Osteoporosis, bone pain, bone swelling or fracture
High protein levels in the blood and/or urine
Weight loss
Myeloma occurs more frequently in the following populations:
African-American
Over the age of 50
Male
Obese
Exposed to radiation
Work in petroleum-related industries
How Is Myeloma Treated?
If you have myeloma, there are many treatment options available that slow the growth of the myeloma cells and help ease bone pain, fatigue, and other symptoms associated with the disease. The type of treatment depends on your health and the type and stage of myeloma.
Treatment options for myeloma include the following:
Chemotherapy
Immunomodulators (drugs that target specific areas of the immune system)
Anemia drugs
Radiation therapy
Stem cell transplant
For some patients, participating in a clinical trial provides access to experimental therapies. If you are diagnosed with myeloma, talk with your doctor about whether joining a clinical trial is right for you.
Is Myeloma Preventable?
Because doctors have yet to pinpoint what causes myeloma, there is no certain way to prevent it. Be aware of the risks and symptoms, especially if you have a family history of myeloma.
If you are experiencing symptoms or are at risk for myeloma, talk with your doctor about detection and treatment. Depending on your physical condition, genetics, and medical history, you may be referred to a hematologist, a doctor who specializes in blood conditions.
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