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Leukemia
Urgent
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.
Body System
Blood & Immune System
When to Seek Medical Attention
Seek prompt medical evaluation for persistent fever, recurrent infections, unusual bleeding or bruising, severe weakness, unexplained weight loss, or rapidly worsening symptoms. Emergency assessment is needed for severe bleeding, severe breathing difficulty, confusion, or sudden neurological symptoms.
Symptoms
4
Causes
2
Treatments
5
Diet
3
Overview
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.
Symptoms 4
Fever
Persistent Hoarseness
Sleep Talking
Weight Loss
Causes 2
The exact cause of most leukemias is unknown. The disease develops when genetic changes cause blood-forming cells to grow and divide abnormally. Factors that may contribute include certain inherited genetic conditions, previous exposure to high doses of radiation, some cancer treatments and certain chemical exposures. In most people, however, no single cause can be identified.
Genetics
Smoking
Risk Factors
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.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis is based on a patient's medical history,
symptoms, physical examination and, when necessary,
laboratory or imaging investigations.
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.
Prevention
Key Prevention Tips
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
Prevention Guidance
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.
Reminder: Prevention recommendations should be tailored to your personal health status and risk factors.
Treatment & Management 5
Detailed treatment guidance is currently being prepared.
Detailed treatment guidance is currently being prepared.
Detailed treatment guidance is currently being prepared.
Detailed treatment guidance is currently being prepared.
Detailed treatment guidance is currently being prepared.
Medical Note: The treatment information provided is intended for educational purposes only.
Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before starting,
stopping, or changing any treatment.
Diet & Nutrition 3
Recommended Foods
Protein-rich foods
Help maintain strength during treatment
Fresh fruits
Provide vitamins and antioxidants
Cooked vegetables
Provide nutrients and are easier to digest
Foods to Avoid
Raw or unsafe foods
May increase infection risk in immunocompromised patients
Alcohol
May interfere with recovery
Medical Nutrition Note: Diet recommendations are intended for general educational purposes and should be tailored to individual health needs by a qualified healthcare professional.
Frequently Asked Questions 5
Leukemia is a cancer affecting blood and bone marrow.
Fatigue, infections, bleeding, and fever are common symptoms.
Blood tests and bone marrow examination are used.
Treatment may include chemotherapy, targeted therapy, and transplantation.
No, leukemia does not spread from person to person.
Helpful Tip: These answers provide general medical information.
Consult your healthcare provider for advice tailored to your condition.