Leukemia is a serious disease that can occur in all age groups. However, with early diagnosis and appropriate treatment methods, the disease can be managed and full recovery can be achieved for many patients. It is important for individuals diagnosed with leukemia to receive support during and after the treatment process. Psychological support, nutritional counseling and physical activity can help make the treatment process more effective and bearable.
What is leukemia?
Leukemia is a type of cancer that begins in the blood and bone marrow. Leukemia, which occurs as a result of an error in the production process of blood cells, usually affects white blood cells. These cells multiply abnormally, replacing healthy cells and weakening the body’s ability to fight infections. Leukemia is classified as acute or chronic:
- Acute Leukemia: It progresses rapidly and is usually seen in children. Symptoms appear suddenly and require immediate treatment.
- Chronic Leukemia: It progresses more slowly and is usually seen in adults. Symptoms develop gradually and the disease is usually discovered during routine blood tests.
What are the symptoms of leukemia?
Symptoms of leukemia vary depending on the type and stage of the disease. The answer to the question of how to understand leukemia is as follows:
- Fatigue and weakness
- Fever and infections
- weight loss
- Easy bruising and bleeding
- Bone and joint pains
- swelling in lymph nodes
How is leukemia treated?
Leukemia is usually diagnosed with blood tests, bone marrow biopsy, and imaging tests (for example, computed tomography). These tests help determine the presence of abnormal cells and the type of leukemia. Leukemia treatment options vary depending on the type of leukemia and the patient’s overall health:
- Chemotherapy: Medicines are used to kill leukemia cells. Chemotherapy can be given intravenously or orally.
- Radiotherapy: High energy beams are used to kill leukemia cells. Radiotherapy can be applied to the whole body or just to the diseased area.
- Stem cell transplant: In this procedure, the patient’s own healthy stem cells or healthy stem cells from another donor are transplanted into the bone marrow. Stem cell transplant may help reduce the risk of leukemia recurrence.
- Targeted therapies: These drugs target specific molecules that stop leukemia cells from growing and multiplying.
- Immunotherapy: This treatment method helps the patient’s immune system recognize and destroy leukemia cells.