Back

Disease Comparison

Compare similarities and differences between two diseases.

Leukemia

Unknown
4
Symptoms
2
Causes
0
Treatments
5
FAQs
VS

Mononucleosis

Moderate
4
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.
Mononucleosis
Infectious mononucleosis, often called mono, is a contagious viral infection. It commonly causes extreme tiredness, fever, sore throat, swollen lymph nodes, and sometimes an enlarged spleen or liver. Most cases are caused by Epstein-Barr virus. Symptoms often develop gradually and most people recover, although fatigue can continue for several weeks or occasionally longer.

Symptoms

Shared
Fever
Only in Left Disease
Persistent Hoarseness Sleep Talking Weight Loss
Only in Right Disease
Difficulty Swallowing Fatigue Swollen Lymph Nodes

Causes

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

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.
Mononucleosis
Diagnosis is based on the symptoms and physical examination, including examination of the throat and lymph nodes and checking for enlargement of the liver or spleen. A healthcare provider may order blood tests to look for changes associated with mononucleosis or antibodies to Epstein-Barr virus. A rapid mono test may be used in appropriate circumstances, although additional testing may be needed when the result is unclear.

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.
Mononucleosis
There is no vaccine that prevents infectious mononucleosis. The risk of spreading the infection can be reduced by avoiding kissing and by not sharing food, drinks, utensils, or lip balm with someone who has mono. Good hand hygiene is also useful. Because the virus may remain in saliva after symptoms improve, people should follow appropriate precautions during recovery and according to medical advice.

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.
Mononucleosis
Mononucleosis is particularly common among teenagers and young adults, although infection can occur at any age. Risk increases with close contact with an infected person because the virus is commonly spread through saliva. Sharing drinks, food, utensils, or personal items that contact saliva can also transmit the infection. Previous lack of exposure to Epstein-Barr virus may make a person susceptible to symptomatic infection.

Treatment

Leukemia
Treatment comparison will be available soon.
Mononucleosis
Treatment comparison will be available soon.