Leukemia is a type of cancer

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Leukemia is a type of cancer
It’s a disease of the marrow, the spongy center of bones that makes blood
cells.
In leukemia the body makes too many abnormal white cells, which may
cause –
Infections
In some types of leukemia, leukemic cells lack the infection-fighting ability
of normal white cells.
Anemia
Production of red cells drops as leukemic cells increase in number in the
marrow.
Excessive Bleeding
Clotting ability decreases if the number of platelets (tiny disks in the blood
needed for clotting) is very low.
New treatments mean improved chances of survival for many
patients.
This booklet is designed to provide information in regard to the subject matter covered.
It is distributed by The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society with the understanding that The Leukemia
& Lymphoma Society is not engaged in rendering medical or other professional services.
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Anyone can get leukemia
It Kills More Children and young adults between the ages of 1 and
20 than any other cancer.
It Kills More Adults than children. People over 60 are most often
affected, and men more often than women.
About 33,440 people in the U.S. will develop leukemia this year
(2004). About 23,300 people will die from leukemia. It is estimated that
187,285 people in the U.S. are currently living with leukemia (2004).
There is no known way to prevent leukemia, but it can be treated
effectively.
Today, modern treatments offer more hope
than ever before to people
who have leukemia.
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There are two main types
of leukemia
— and several varieties of each type.
Lymphocytic Leukemia
— marked by an increased number of
white cells called lymphocytes. These
cells are made in the marrow. In
lymphocytic leukemia, most lymphocytes
produced are abnormal or immature.
Normal Blood Cells
Myelogenous Leukemia*
— marked by an increase in the myeloid
type — rather than the lymphoid type —
of white cells. These cells are made in the
marrow. Normal white cells play a crucial
role in the body’s defense against infection,
but in acute leukemia, leukemic white cells
lack this ability.
Leukemic Cells
Types and Forms of Leukemia
Acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL)
Acute myelogenous leukemia (AML)
Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL)
Chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML)
*This type is also called “myelocytic” leukemia.
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Leukemia Can Occur In Either of 2 Forms:
Acute Progresses Rapidly
Life expectancy is short without treatment (a few weeks to a few months).
But drug treatment has extended life expectancy for children with acute
lymphocytic leukemia and about 85% are cured. (A smaller proportion of
adults with acute lymphocytic leukemia are cured.)
Acute leukemia is the type most often seen in children, though it can occur
at any age. It accounts for about one-half of leukemia cases.
Chronic Progresses Slowly
With appropriate treatment, progression of the disease may be stopped and
extended periods of well-being and normal activities can be achieved.
Chronic leukemia occurs most often
in adults, but can occur at any age.
It accounts for about one-half of
leukemia cases.
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Acute leukemia
Acute Leukemia Affects:
Red Cells
These essential cells carry oxygen to all parts of the body. About 17
billion red cells are made in the marrow each second.
• IN LEUKEMIA – the red cell count drops as stem cells* that form red
and white cells in the marrow are suppressed by leukemic cells. Anemia
decreases the content of oxygen in the blood, resulting in pallor,
weakness, fatigue and shortness of breath with exertion.
Platelets
These tiny blood cells, also derived from stem cells and released from the
marrow, are essential for clotting. They collect around a break in a blood
vessel and form a “plug” to stop bleeding.
• IN LEUKEMIA – platelet production goes down because platelet-
forming cells in the marrow are suppressed by leukemic cells. Skin
bruising and excessive bleeding from cuts and wounds may occur.
*Stem cells are cells in marrow that develop into red cells, white cells
and platelets.
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White Cells
Normal white cells fight infections by destroying bacteria and viruses that
can cause disease.
• IN LEUKEMIA – the white cells are replaced by abnormal cells and/or
function poorly. Infection may occur if a decrease in infection-fighting
white cells is severe.
Marrow: This Is the Blood Cell-Forming Tissue
It contains stem cells that develop into red cells, several kinds of white cells
and platelets.
• IN LEUKEMIA – abnormal white cells invade the marrow – and disrupt
normal production of blood cells.
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Chronic leukemia
Chronic Leukemia Has Less Dramatic Effects.
In Lymphocytic Leukemia the main effect may be an increase in
lymphocytes circulating in the blood and marrow. Lymph nodes and the
spleen may enlarge.
Mild cases may go on for years with few or no ill effects and not need
treatment. If progressive, masses may develop in the lymph nodes, and
infection and exaggerated bleeding may occur.
In Myelogenous Leukemia anemia is common but enough normal
white cells and platelets prevent infection or abnormal bleeding.
Usually, chronic leukemia can be controlled for several years, but most cases
eventually progress to a phase that is similar to acute leukemia.
In both acute and chronic
leukemia, an extremely
high number of
leukemic cells are
produced, flooding
the marrow.
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Risks for leukemia
A change in gene* structure causes the abnormalities and uncontrolled
multiplication of cells in leukemia.
The cause of this change is unknown in the vast majority of cases, but
several factors are known to increase the risk of leukemia:
Certain Diseases Present at Birth – such as Down syndrome, are
associated with a higher risk of leukemia.
High-Dose Radiation (not diagnostic X-rays) may increase
susceptibility to leukemia in some cases.
Viruses – one or two specific viruses have been linked to certain cases
of lymphocytic leukemia.
Benzene – chronic, high exposure to benzene, usually in industrial
settings, can cause acute myelogenous leukemia. Government regulations
in the workplace are intended to prevent this exposure.
Leukemia is not contagious.
* Genes are the “blueprints” that determine cell structure and function. They are
located on the chromosomes, inside the nucleus of every cell.
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Signs and symptoms
of leukemia
Symptoms or signs are similar to those of other ailments, but eventually
become more persistent and severe:
• Pale complexion
• Weakness
• Chronic fatigue
• Shortness of breath
• Anemia
• Unexplained fever
• Bruising easily
• Exaggerated bleeding after injuries
• Recurrent infection
• Pain in joints and bones
• Increased size of lymph nodes, liver or spleen
See your physician if any of
these signs and symptoms
persist or recur.
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