Every time the term leukaemia is across, people fear differences and misinterpret the word. Not to say that it is not just another disease, but it is a condition which affects the pillar of our body, the blood. And though the word cancer might sound threatening enough, it is always important to remember that medical science has made immense gains in terms of learning more about leukaemia and treating the very conditions. Today, patients have an opportunity to achieve a high extent of treatment, a better opportunity to survive, and proper formed and structured support.
In CritiCare Hospital Lucknow, too, we believe that the first step in the conquest of fear is through awakening our awareness. Knowing about leukaemia, the symptomology, cause, and application of intervention measures will make you feel better prepared to take on a life-threatening illness with responsibility either to yourself or in the case of a loved one.
What is Leukaemia?
Leukaemia is a form of cancer that develops in the blood and bone marrow. In the normal body, the bone marrow assists in producing normal blood cells, that is, red cells to transport oxygen, white cells to combat infections, and platelets to prevent blood loss to the body. It becomes disastrous in leukaemia. The abnormal white blood cells are formed in great numbers in the bone marrow.
These cells are faulty cells, and this means that they do not work as they push healthy blood cells to the crowd. This brings about complications such as recurrent infections, weakness, and uncontrolled bleeding. Strictly speaking, in the case of leukaemia, the problem is an imbalance of blood cells interfering with the normal structure of the organism.
Leukaemia symptoms and signs
Symptoms of leukaemia may differ in patients and in many cases, develop over time. Often, they may be confused with such common diseases as the flu or exhaustion. The most widespread signs are as follows:
- Incessant fatigue and weakness: Although the patients have rested, they may experience uncharacteristic fatigue.
- Infections: The abnormal white blood cells are not able to fight germs effectively because of frequent infections.
- Fever or chills: It is a frequent symptom of the body in the fight against infection.
- Loss of weight: It could be an indication of something wrong when one loses weight and is not even trying to add any.
- Easy bruising or bleeding: Bleeding of the nose, bleeding of the gums or small red spots on the skin (petechiae).
- Bone and joint pains: The abnormal cells load up in the bone marrow, which leads to pain.
- Swollen lymph nodes, liver, spleen: this can be experienced either as a lump in the neck, armpits/abdomen.
- Night sweats: Sweating heavily without evident causes when one is asleep.
These symptoms are likely to impact one of you or a close person over a long duration of time; hence, a visit to the doctor is required as soon as possible. Although early diagnosis can significantly impact the correction outcomes.
Causes and Risk Factors
Leukaemia is not yet completely understood to have a definite cause, but having identified that some risk factors:
- Genetic mutations: DNA alteration produces accidents in cell growth.
- Radiation exposure: Radiation can be a contributing factor to risks, especially when humans are subjected to high levels of radiation, such as during cancer treatment.
- Exposure to chemicals: Some chemicals, such as benzene, are associated with leukaemia.
- Family history: The presence of either parent with a close family member with leukaemia can increase the risk marginally.
- Past medical history: Other cancer therapies could have been used by chemotherapy or radiotherapy in the past, and this may create leukaemia in future.
- Smoking: It has a predisposing effect, particularly on some forms of leukaemia.
It should also be observed that the presence of such risk factors does not imply that one will immediately acquire leukaemia, but it means only that there are larger probabilities that applicants.
Types of Leukaemia
Leukaemia is not a single disease; it is a range of diseases. It is distinguished into categories of acute or chronic by the rate of progression and based on the type of blood cell involved (lymphoid or myeloid) by doctors.
- Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia (ALL):
- It is most common amongst children, although it may also occur in adults.
- Makes progress fast and requires prompt treatment.
- Acute Myeloid Leukaemia (AML):
- Attacks both the child and adult, though more common in older adults.
- Known for its rapid growth.
- Chronic Lymphocytic Leukaemia (CLL):
- It occurs mainly in the elderly.
- Advances gradually with or without manifestations over the years.
- Chronic Myeloid Leukaemia (CML):
- Mainly affects adults.
- Develops gradually in the beginning but may get savage as time goes on.
It is rather significant to learn what kind of leukaemia you have since they do not all respond to the same treatment.
Diagnosis of Leukaemia
Doctors perform various tests when they suspect that the leukaemia might be the problem:
- Blood testing: Used to measure any abnormality in red blood cells, define white blood cells or platelets.
- Bone marrow test: A test in which a small bone marrow sample is collected (commonly the hip bone) to scan for abnormal cells.
- Finish imaging tests. Imaging tests can detect swelling in organs using CT scans or ultrasounds.
- Genetic testing: Helps to detect mutations and to prescribe specific treatments.
In CritiCare Hospital, our strategy of diagnosis aims to merge both high-tech equipment with caring and understanding of the stages by patients and their families.
Leukaemia Treatment
The mode of treatment of leukaemia varies according to the type, the stage, and age that as used as the general health of the patient. This will primarily aim at eliminating the unwanted cells and letting healthy cells regenerate.
- Chemotherapy
- The most common treatment.
- Kills cancerous cells with the use of strong drugs.
- This is usually administered in cycles to allow the organism to recuperate.
- Targeted Therapy
- Detection is centred on a certain genetic alteration in the cancer cells.
- One such example would be CML drugs such as imatinib.
- Less damaging to normal cells than chemotherapy.
- Radiation Therapy
- Radiations that are high in energy are used on cancer cells to kill or retard the growth of cancer.
- At other times, preceding a stem cell transplant.
- Stem Cell Transplant (Bone Marrow Transplant)
- Transplant the diseased bone marrow with healthy stem cells.
- Commonly employed in cases when the other therapy proves insufficient.
- Immunotherapy
- Enhances self immunity of the body to combat cancer.
- One of the recent improvements is the CAR-T cell therapy.
The experience of every patient is varied, and the doctors of CritiCare Hospital make unique treatment plans to guarantee survival and quality of life.
Living with Leukaemia: Physical and Emotional Care
The treatment process of leukaemia is not about attacking cancer only but with the support of the entire person. Patients are likely to feel fatigued, stressed and also emotional. In CritiCare Hospital, we offer:
- Patient and family counselling and support.
- Dietary advice about ensuring strength in the presence of treatment.
- Support groups. This is where patients get to interact with others experiencing the same.
When given appropriate medical treatment and emotional guidance, most of the leukaemia victims manage to live good lives.
This is how CritiCare Hospital Helps
In CritiCare Hospital, we know that leukaemia is not just a diagnosis, but it is a journey that changes lives. We have a multidisciplinary group of oncologists, haematologists, nurses, as well as counsellors. We apply the latest in the medical industry and apply it to proper diagnosis, as well as the latest in medicine, such as stem cell transplants, among others, all made with the heart of a patient’s family, to ever attain patient comfort with their family.
Our motto is more straightforward: heal the illness, but pay attention to the individual as well. We are dedicated to ensuring that all our patients feel that they are heard, supported and confident during treatment.
Conclusion
Leukaemia can look terrifying, but ignorance, late diagnoses, and mismanaged medical treatment make a difference. Raising awareness on symptoms, warning signs, and accessing medical assistance in time will yield better results. The recent medical advances in recent years are such that most patients not only survive leukaemia but also flourish following treatment.
At CritiCare Hospital, we are beside every patient, providing them with the help of the professionals and constant support at all levels. Remember, you are not alone, even though the symptoms are experienced or confirmed, or your loved one has been diagnosed with leukaemia. We can always find help, hope and healing.
