From Bone Marrow to Bloodstream: Understanding Leukemia Step by Step

Introduction leukemia

Leukemia is a type of cancer that arises in the bone marrow and result in a high number of abnormal white blood cells. Malignant neoplasm of hematopoietic tissue, originating in and infiltrating the bone marrow, Involves the peripheral blood and often infiltrates the spleen, liver and lymph nodes. Leukemia is a malignant disease characterized by unregulated proliferation of one cell type. It may involve any of the cell lines or a stem cell common to several cell lines. The white blood cells are a vital part of the immune system and are mostly produced in the bone marrow. The white blood cells are potent infection fighters protecting the body from invasion by bacteria, viruses, fungi, foreign substances as well as abnormal cells. Leukemia is classified into a variety of large groups based on how fast it progresses (acute or chronic), and type of cells involved (lymphatic or myelogenous). In acute leukemia, the abnormal cells are immature and the increase rapid making the bone marrow unable to produce healthy cells.  In chronic leukemia, the abnormal cells are mature but they are abnormal white blood cells. These blood cells build up more slowly and take months or years to progress. These types mostly occur in older people, but can also occur in any age group.

Types of leukemia 

• Acute myeloblastic leukemia – AML

• Acute lymphoblastic leukemia –ALL

• Chronic myelocytic leukemia – CML

1. Acute lymphoblastic leukemia –ALL

This is caused by an accumulation of lymphoblasts in the bone marrow .Most common form of leukemia in children. Incidence is highest at 3-7 years leukemia. Acute lymphoblastic leukemia is a type of cancer of the blood and none marrow. The spongy tissue inside bones where blood cells are made. This type of leukemia starts from the white blood cells in the bone marrow.in ALL, the bone marrow makes too many lymphocytes, a type of white blood cell. These cells normally help your body fight infection. But in ALL, they are abnormal and cannot fight infection very well. They also crowd out the heathy cells, which can lead to infection, anemia, and easy bleeding. These abnormal cells can also spread to other parts of the body, including the brain and spinal cord.

2. Acute myeloblastic leukemia – AML

In acute myeloid leukemia there are too many of a specific type of white blood cell called a myoblast. It is the most common type of acute leukemia in adults. This type of cancer usually gets worse quickly if it is not treated. Possible risk factors include smoking, previous chemotherapy treatment, and exposure to radiation.

Symptoms of AML

• Shortness of breath

• Easy bruising or bleeding

• Bleeding under the skin

• Weakness or feeling tired

• Weight loss or loss of appetite

3. Chronic myelocytic leukemia – CML

Chronic myloid leukemia is a type of chronic leukemia. “Chronic” means that the leukemia usually gets worse slowly. In CML, the bone marrow makes abnormal granulocytes. These abnormal cells are also called blasts. When the abnormal cell crowd out the healthy cells, it can lead to infection, anemia, and easy bleeding. The abnormal cells can also spread outside the blood to other parts of the body.

Causes of leukemia

The exact cause is frequently not known, but predisposing factors are considered: Radiation exposure, chronic benzene exposure, chronic myeloproliferative disorders, Paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria, Aplastic anemia, Myeloma, and Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS)

Haw to diagnosis leukemia

• A physical exam

• A medical history

• Blood tests

• Bone marrow tests

• Genetic tests

Haw to treatment leukemia

• Chemotherapy

• Radiation therapy

• Chemotherapy with stem cell transplant

• Targeted therapy, which uses drugs or other substances that attack specific cancer cells with less harm to normal cells.

Conclusion

Leukemia is a serious group of blood cancers that originate in the bone marrow and affect the production and function of white blood cells. It can lead to life-threatening complications such as anemia, infections, and bleeding disorders if left untreated. Advances in medicine, including chemotherapy, targeted therapy, bone marrow transplantation, and supportive care, have improved survival and quality of life for many patients.