What is Leukemia? Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment

Leukemia is a type of blood cancer that affects the white blood cells responsible for fighting off infections. There are four main types of leukemia—acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), acute myeloid leukemia (AML), and chronic myeloid leukemia (CML). Symptoms of ALL and AML include frequent infections, fatigue, and unexplained weight loss. CLL and CML may not show any symptoms in the early stages. However, as the disease progresses, you may experience fatigue, swollen lymph nodes or spleen, and night sweats.

The causes of leukemia can be exposure to harmful chemicals or radiation in the environment, genetic mutations or family history. However, for most people diagnosed with this disease, there is no clear cause. Treatment options depend on the type of leukemia you have. Typically, chemotherapy and radiation therapy are used to destroy cancerous cells in your body. For some individuals with advanced leukemia or those who cannot tolerate chemotherapy or radiation therapy, a bone marrow transplant may be necessary.

It's important to be aware of the symptoms of blood disorders like leukemia so that you can seek medical attention promptly if you experience any unusual changes in your health. Early detection and treatment can increase your chances of successful recovery.

In the next section, we will discuss another type of blood cancer called lymphoma.