“May all be happy, may all be healed, may all be at peace and may no one ever suffer."
Leukemia is a type of cancer that affects the blood and bone marrow, which is the spongy tissue inside bones where blood cells are produced. It arises from abnormal growth of white blood cells (leukocytes), which are responsible for fighting infection and disease.
There are several different types of leukemia, including acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), acute myeloid leukemia (AML), chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), and chronic myeloid leukemia (CML). The different types of leukemia are classified based on the type of white blood cells that are affected and how quickly the cancer progresses.
Symptoms of leukemia can vary depending on the type of leukemia and the stage of the disease, but may include fatigue, weakness, fever, weight loss, bone pain, and frequent infections. Diagnosis typically involves blood tests and bone marrow biopsies to evaluate the number and type of blood cells and to look for abnormal cells.
Treatment for leukemia depends on the type of leukemia and other factors such as the patient's age and overall health. Common treatment options include chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and bone marrow transplantation. In some cases, targeted therapies or immunotherapy may also be used. Early detection and treatment are important for improving outcomes in leukemia.