Leukemia, first recognised by the German pathologist [Rudolf Virchow]? in 1847, starts with tissues such as bone marrow behaving abnormally. This is caused by a mutation in its DNA. Bone marrow stem cells produce billions of red and white blood cells each day, respectively carrying oxygen and fighting disease around all parts of the body. Leukemia is characterised by an excessive production of abnormal versions of these cells, overcrowding the bone marrow. This results in decreased production and function of normal blood cells. Leukemia can spread to the [lymph node]?s, spleen?, liver, central nervous system and other organs.
The most common forms in adults are AML and CML, whereas in children ALL is most widely observed.
Acute leukemias are characterised by the rapid growth of immature blood cells, which then die early (within one to five months.) This crowding makes the bone marrow unable to produce healthy blood cells. Acute forms of leukemia are most common in children and young adults (in fact it is the most common cause of death for children in the US than any other type of malignant disease.)
Chronic leukemias are distinguished by the slower excessive build up of mature, but still abnormal, blood cells. Typically taking two to five years to progress, the cells live too long, meaning too many mostly white blood cells form in the blood. Chronic leukemia mostly appears in older people. Whereas acute leukemia must be treated immediately, chronic forms are sometimes monitored for some time before treatment to ensure maximum effectiveness of therapy.
In the case of acute myelogenous leukemia, small rash-like spots on the skin as well as enlarged gums are typically evident. Acute lymphocytic leukemia can cause the thymus? to become enlarged, and can mean severe coughing or even suffocation. Chronic myelocytic leukemia can lead to enlargement of the spleen. Chronic lymphotic leukemia can manifest itself as oversized lymph node'.
Scientists are still actively searching for the exact cause of leukemia. The bone marrow stem cells are thought to become cancerous because of mutation to their DNA. This could come from exposure to radiation, carcinogenic substances, or translocation? (swapping) of genetic material in the chromosomes. It is possible to test whether some of these translocations have occured in a person's chromosome, confirming whether they have or are likely to develop leukemia. Similar genetic tests can also determine the aggressiveness needed in treatment and also the expected prognosis.
Viruses have also been linked, with varying levels of speculation, to some forms of leukemia. T-cell leukemia has recently been confirmed as the result two viruses.
Major treatments include chemotherapy and radiation therapy. These are typically used in combination to maximise effectiveness and reduce any particular side effect. Because of the severity of some courses, [bone marrow transplant]?s are sometimes neccesary. Healthy bone marrow transplanted in to the body helps rebuild tissue damaged by the treatmenet.
27,900 adults and 2,300 children are diagnosed each year with leukemia. Over the last thirty years, the chances of survival have doubled, although they remain still quite low. These range from a 22 per cent survival rate in 1970 to 43 per cent rate in the 90's.
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