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Disease Comparison

Compare similarities and differences between two diseases.

Leukemia

Unknown
4
Symptoms
2
Causes
0
Treatments
5
FAQs
VS

Pharyngitis

Moderate
3
Symptoms
0
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.
Pharyngitis
Pharyngitis is inflammation of the throat, often causing a sore or scratchy throat and pain when swallowing. It is commonly caused by viral infections such as those responsible for colds and influenza, although bacteria such as group A Streptococcus can also cause it. Symptoms may include fever, swollen throat tissues, cough, or swollen neck glands depending on the cause.

Symptoms

Shared
Fever
Only in Left Disease
Persistent Hoarseness Sleep Talking Weight Loss
Only in Right Disease
Difficulty Swallowing Hoarseness

Causes

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

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.
Pharyngitis
Pharyngitis is diagnosed from symptoms and examination of the throat. A clinician may look for redness, swelling, tonsil changes, and swollen lymph nodes and assess for other signs of respiratory infection. When bacterial infection is suspected, a rapid strep test or throat culture may be performed. Testing helps distinguish infections that may benefit from antibiotics from those caused by viruses.

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.
Pharyngitis
Good hand hygiene and avoiding close contact with people who are sick can reduce the spread of infectious causes of pharyngitis. Cover coughs and sneezes and avoid sharing utensils or drinking containers. Avoiding tobacco smoke and other throat irritants can reduce noninfectious irritation. Prompt evaluation of persistent or severe symptoms can help identify infections requiring specific treatment.

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.
Pharyngitis
Risk factors include close contact with people who have respiratory infections, crowded indoor environments, frequent exposure to children, and poor hand hygiene. Tobacco smoke and other environmental irritants can also increase throat irritation. People with frequent exposure to respiratory infections may have repeated episodes. Certain underlying conditions can contribute to recurrent or persistent throat symptoms.

Treatment

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