Leukaemia
Leukaemia
Leukaemia (pronounced: loo-KEE-mee-uh) is a group of cancers that usually begin in the bone marrow and result in high numbers of abnormal white blood cells. These white blood cells are not fully developed and are called blasts or leukaemia cells.
Etymology
The term "leukaemia" is derived from the Greek words "leukos" (λευκός), meaning "white", and "haima" (αἷμα), meaning "blood".
Types of Leukaemia
There are four main types of leukaemia:
- Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia (ALL)
- Acute Myeloid Leukaemia (AML)
- Chronic Lymphocytic Leukaemia (CLL)
- Chronic Myeloid Leukaemia (CML)
Each type of leukaemia has different treatment options and prognosis.
Symptoms
Symptoms of leukaemia can vary depending on the type of leukaemia and the stage at which it is diagnosed. Common symptoms include fatigue, fever, frequent infections, bleeding and bruising easily, weight loss, and swollen lymph nodes.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis of leukaemia typically involves blood tests, bone marrow tests, and sometimes genetic testing.
Treatment
Treatment for leukaemia can include chemotherapy, radiation therapy, stem cell transplant, and targeted therapy. The choice of treatment depends on the type and stage of the leukaemia, the patient's overall health, and their personal preferences.
Related Terms
- Oncology: The study of cancer.
- Hematology: The study of blood and blood disorders.
- Chemotherapy: A type of cancer treatment that uses drugs to kill cancer cells.
- Radiation Therapy: A type of cancer treatment that uses high-energy radiation to kill cancer cells.
- Stem Cell Transplant: A procedure that replaces diseased bone marrow with healthy bone marrow stem cells.
- Targeted Therapy: A type of cancer treatment that uses drugs or other substances to identify and attack specific cancer cells.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Leukaemia
- Wikipedia's article - Leukaemia
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