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Disease Comparison

Compare similarities and differences between two diseases.

Leukemia

Unknown
4
Symptoms
2
Causes
0
Treatments
5
FAQs
VS

Anal Fistula

Moderate
2
Symptoms
2
Causes
0
Treatments
5
FAQs

Overview

Leukemia
Leukemia is a group of cancers affecting blood-forming tissues, particularly the bone marrow and blood cells. Abnormal blood-forming cells multiply excessively and interfere with the production of normal red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets. Different types of leukemia progress at different rates and affect different blood-cell lines. Symptoms may include fatigue, frequent infections, fever, easy bruising and bleeding.
Anal Fistula
An anal fistula is an abnormal tunnel that develops between the inside of the anus or rectum and the skin near the anus. It often develops after an infection or abscess in an anal gland. Symptoms may include persistent drainage, pain, swelling, irritation, or recurrent abscesses around the anus.

Symptoms

Shared
Fever
Only in Left Disease
Persistent Hoarseness Sleep Talking Weight Loss
Only in Right Disease
Painful Urination

Causes

Shared
None
Only in Left Disease
Genetics Smoking
Only in Right Disease
Infection Inflammation

Diagnosis

Leukemia
Leukemia is evaluated using a medical history, physical examination and blood tests. A complete blood count may show abnormal numbers of blood cells. Examination of blood cells can provide additional information. Bone marrow aspiration and biopsy are commonly used to confirm the diagnosis and determine the leukemia type. Genetic and molecular tests may help classify the disease and guide treatment.
Anal Fistula
An anal fistula is diagnosed through a medical history and examination of the anus and surrounding skin. The healthcare professional may look for an external opening, drainage, swelling, or tenderness. A digital rectal examination may help identify the tract. Imaging such as MRI or ultrasound may be used when the fistula is complex, recurrent, or difficult to identify during examination.

Prevention

Leukemia
Most cases of leukemia cannot be prevented because the causes are usually unknown. Avoiding unnecessary exposure to high levels of radiation and certain harmful chemicals may reduce the risk associated with known environmental factors. People who have received treatments that can increase leukemia risk should follow recommended medical follow-up. Early evaluation of persistent unexplained symptoms can help identify blood disorders.
Anal Fistula
Preventing anal fistula mainly involves reducing the risk of anal abscesses and treating infections promptly. People with inflammatory bowel disease should follow appropriate medical treatment and monitoring. Persistent pain, swelling, drainage, or recurrent abscesses around the anus should be evaluated by a healthcare professional rather than left untreated.

Risk Factors

Leukemia
Risk factors vary by leukemia type and may include increasing age, certain inherited genetic disorders, previous chemotherapy or radiation therapy, high-dose radiation exposure and some occupational or environmental chemical exposures. Having certain blood disorders may also increase risk of particular leukemia types. Most people with leukemia do not have a clearly identifiable risk factor.
Anal Fistula
Risk factors include a previous anal abscess, inflammatory bowel disease such as Crohn disease, recurrent infections in the anal region, previous anal or rectal surgery, and conditions that interfere with normal healing or immunity. A history of an anal fistula also increases the likelihood of recurrence.

Treatment

Leukemia
Treatment comparison will be available soon.
Anal Fistula
Treatment comparison will be available soon.