It is cancer of the white blood cells where the bones where white blood cells are made are of poor quality affect other blood cells production including red blood cells and platelets causing one’s immunity to weaken.
There are are many form of leukaemia:
Acute lymphoblastic leukaemia
The bone marrow (spongy part in our bones) produce stem cells which help to produce three types of blood cells:
White blood cells (two types)
Lymphocytes – these fight viral infections
Myeloid cells – these fight against bacterial infections, defending the body against parasites and preventing the spread of tissue damage and help to produce red blood cells and platelets.
Red blood cells – these help us to breathe by carrying oxygen , carry food and waste around the body)
Platelets – these help to clot the blood
In acute lymphoblastic leukaemia the white blood cells (lymphocytes) are released to early by the stem cells causing the following:
These early released white cells are known as lymphoblast cells which are less effective in fighting infection, more of these cells are released than mature white blood cells.
Less red blood cells and platelets are released leading to anaemia and poor blood clotting and/or poor healing and/or increased bleeding and bruising
An aggressive form of cancer that normally affect persons over 75 years old, it occurs because the white blood cells (Myeloblast cells) are released too early by the stem cells and these cells are less effective in fighting infection.
This condition can increase the number of red blood cells called polycythemia vera making the blood to thick causing it to slow down and can lead to a heart attack and/or stroke.
This condition can increase the number of platelets (Essential thrombocythemia) causing excessive blood clots which can lead to aneurysms.
A less aggressive form of cancer that grows slowly over a period of years ,it occurs because the white blood cells (Myeloblast cells) are released too early by the stem cells and these cells are less effective in fighting infection.
A less aggressive form of cancer that grows slowly over a period of years ,it occurs because the white blood cells (lymphoblast cells) are released too early by the stem cells and these cells are less effective in fighting infection.
Cause
Unknown
Acute lymphoblastic leukaemia- gene mutation in the stem cells making poor quality white blood cells (blast cells).
Rare type of blood cancer characterized by improper function and excessive production of plasma cells—a type of white blood cell—found in bone marrow.
The immune system is impacted due to the inefficiency of the plasma cells to produce healthy antibodies, which fight infection.
The overgrowth of plasma cells crowds other blood cells, reducing the number of healthy red and white blood cells which are involved in processes to give us energy and fight infection .
Common symptoms include leukaemia symptoms and anaemia symptoms in particular bone pain, usually experienced in the lower back and ribs and if not treated it can lead to weak bones, destruction of bones as well as a build up of abnormal antibodies called ‘M’ Proteins which damage the kidneys and kidney stones due to increase production of uric acid as well as blood disorders symptoms.
Waldenström macroglobulinemia (nose bleeds, bleeding gums, enlarged liver/spleen/lymph nodes, tiredness, finger and toe tingling)
Please talk to your healthcare professional (i.e. Medical Doctor/Pharmacist) for further advice
Detailed Information
Please copy and paste any key words from the title: Leukaemia in the following respective 'Medtick References and/or Sources' to find out more about the disease (this also may include diagnosis tests and generic medical treatments).
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