[HIDE]
It is commonly thought that leukaemia is a cancer of the blood, but in fact, leukaemia is a cancer of the blood-forming organs including the bone marrow and the lymph system. To be precise, leukaemia is a cancer of the blood-forming cells known as haematopoietic stem cells. Leukaemia is characterised by diffuse replacement of the bone marrow by the malignant cells known as the leukaemic cells. The leukaemic cells spill over into the peripheral blood and may infiltrate the liver, spleen, lymph nodes and some other tissues of the body.
The red blood cells, white blood cells, platelets and the lymph cells originate in the bone marrow and lymph system, where they get matured, before entering the bloodstream.
The exact cause of leukaemia is not fully understood but exposure to ionising radiation, cytotoxic drugs (particularly alkylating agents) and benzene are considered as the major risk factors. Human T-cell leukaemia virus type 1 (HTLV-1) is known to cause the adult T-cell leukaemia. Similarly, some other viruses are suspected as a causative factor of leukaemia. Immunological deficiency and genetic factors also play an important role in genesis of the leukaemia.
Leukaemia is a progressive and fatal disease. The course of leukaemia varies from a few weeks to several years. Leukaemia usually presents with symptoms of weakness, lethargy, fever, bone pain, joint pain and flu-like symptoms. There may be lymphadenopathy, hepatomegaly, splenomegaly, recurrent infections, bleeding tendencies and bone tenderness. The cause of death in leukaemic patients is usually anaemia, haemorrhage or intermittent infections.
On the basis of clinical behaviour, leukaemias can be divided into two types, i.e. acute leukaemias and chronic leukaemias. The disease progresses rapidly in the acute leukaemia, whereas it progresses slowly in the chronic leukaemia. It is important to note that a chronic leukaemia may transform into acute leukaemia.
In acute leukaemias, there is failure of cell maturation and differentiation in the bone marrow. These immature leukaemic cells, known as blast cells, proliferate to replace the normal bone marrow cells. The blast cells also spill into the peripheral blood stream. Acute leukaemias are further divided into acute lymphocytic leukaemia and acute non-lymphocytic leukaemia. Acute lymphocytic leukaemia usually affects children, whereas acute non-lymphocytic leukaemia is commonly seen in adults. Recent studies have revealed that the two types of acute leukaemias, i.e. acute lymphocytic leukaemia and acute non-lymphocytic leukaemia may coexist in the same patient. Chronic leukaemia affects comparatively mature cells. Chronic leukaemias are further divided into chronic lymphocytic leukaemia and chronic myelogenous leukaemia.
Disclaimer:
This content is for information and educational purposes only and should not be perceived as medical advice. Please consult a certified medical or healthcare professional before making any decision regarding your health using the content above.
Click here to go back to the list of all Articles
Angad Singh
Cancertame Private LimitedDear Angad Singh, Cancertame should be taken in a recommended dose of 2 capsules, 3 times a day, 8 hours apart (2-2-2), in your case of Leukemia (CLL, ALL, AML, etc.), as a palliative treatment only. Cancertame usually takes about 3 months to arrest the further progression of cancer and thereafter starts regressing the activity of cancer and will help provide a prolonged quality life in this case. For any other information, you can write us back at support@cancertame.com Regards, Support Team
PrashantCancertame Private LimitedMr. Prashant, Cancertame can be taken in the case of Chronic Lymphocytic Leukaemia (CLL) in the recommended dosage of 2 capsules, 3 times a day (2-2-2) as a palliative treatment only. For more information you can write us back at support@cancertame.com Regards, Support Team
Leukaemia