Almost everyone knows what leukemia is, or rather heard of it, but few know where it comes from and how to recognize it. Unfortunately, there is still no way to get rid of this terrible ailment. But modern medicine can alleviate the condition of the patient and prolong his life.
A disease that can damage the lymphatic tissues and bone marrow of a person is called leukemia. What is leukemia? Leukemia is cancer. The onset of the disease occurs in the blood when the quantitative ratio of white blood cells is violated, their number increases tens of times, which leads to serious consequences.
Symptoms
Leukemia disease, like any other disease, has its own symptoms. It is worth noting that leukemia is of several types, however, for all varieties, the symptoms at the initial stages are the same, so we will consider the signs of the disease at this stage:
- increased sweating at night and the likelihood of fever;
- persistent infectious diseases;
- constant weakness and increased fatigue;
- headache;
- due to an enlarged spleen , discomfort in the abdominal cavity or bloating appears;
- joint and bone pain;
- regular bruising (gums, skin), bleeding;
- losing weight;
- bloating of the armpits or neck (where the lymph nodes are).
Causes of Leukemia
Now consider the reasons why it can occur in the human body. Scientists do not give a definite answer, in their opinion, there is a certain predisposition of a person to this disease. For example, people who work with chemicals or are exposed to radiation are subsequently more likely to develop leukemia than those who do not work with these devices or substances.
There is a high probability of developing leukemia in people who suffer from blood diseases or have genetic abnormalities. Leukemia in children is quite common, this is again due to a genetic predisposition, the influence of parental genes that could “transmit” a dangerous disease to a new generation.
Diagnosis of the disease
What is leukemia? This is a dangerous disease that can be fatal. If a person is at risk or if the above symptoms are found, an immediate examination is necessary.
Here is a list of the types of tests and examinations that a doctor can prescribe to detect leukemia in a patient:
- Medical examination. At this point, the doctor will clarify the symptoms detected and check if the lymph nodes, liver or spleen are enlarged.
- Direction for blood donation. Such an analysis can indicate the quantitative ratio of platelets and leukocytes, as well as to clarify the level of hemoglobin. With leukemia, the level of leukocytes is increased, and the level of platelets is reduced.
- Chest x-ray.
- If the diagnosis is confirmed by a blood test, the doctor will definitely prescribe a bone marrow sample. The procedure is called a biopsy and is a separation of particles of bone marrow (often the pelvic bone) to detect white blood cells in it.
- As an additional study to determine the cause of the disease, cytogenetics can be performed. The procedure is aimed at the study of cell chromosomes (they are taken from bone marrow, blood or lymph nodes).
- Another study to confirm the diagnosis is spinal puncture, which is performed with a needle to collect fluid for further analysis in order to detect leukemia cells.
Almost all procedures for detecting leukemia are unpleasant and painful. Now you know what leukemia is and where it comes from. It is worth noting that if you find yourself part of these symptoms, do not wait for additional manifestations, consult a doctor and donate blood for analysis. The results will dispel all fears and indicate the cause of the ailment.