Leukemia :: essays research papers

LeukemiaLeukemia strikes all ages and both sexes. In 1995 approximately 20,400people died from Leukemia. The all time five year survival rate is 38%. Thisrate has gone to 52% in the mid 1980s. Approximately 25,700 cases werereported in 1995 alone(American Cancer Society-leukemia, 1995).Leukemia is a form of cancer in the blood cells. roughly forms of Leukemiaoccur in the white blood cells. These abnormal cells reproduce in largequantities and look and perform differently than normal cells(MedicineNet-leukemia, 1997).Right now the causes of Leukemia atomic number 18 unknown. Some studies have shown thatexposure to high-energy radiation increases chances of contracting leukemia.Such radiation was produced in the atomic bombing of Japan during World War II. on that point is also enough energy in nuclear plants so strict safety precautions aretaken. Some research shows that exposure to electric magnetic fields, much(prenominal) aspower lines and electric appliances, is a possible ri sk factor. More studiesare needed to prove this link. Some genetic conditions, such as overcomes syndrome,are also believed to increase the risk factor. Exposure to some chemicals isalso suspected to be a risk factor. By learning the causes of leukemia intercession options will become available(MedicineNet-leukemia, 1997).There are many symptoms of leukemia. The symptoms of leukemia are the samefor all the different types of leukemia. The slap-up types of leukemia, ALL andAML, symptoms are seen more quickly than in the chronic types of leukemia, CLLand CML, where symptoms do not necessarily appear right away. The symptoms areflu symptom, weakness, fatigue, constant infections, easily bleed and bruise,loss of weight and appetite, swollen lymph nodes, coloured or spleen, paleness,bone or joint pain, excess sweating, swollen or bleeding gums, nosebleeds andother hemorrhages, and red spots called petechiae located underneath the skin.In acute Leukemia the cancerous cells may collect around the central nervoussystem. The results can include headaches, vomiting, confusion, loss of musclecontrol, or seizures. These clumps of cancer cells can collect in other variousparts of the body(MedicineNet-leukemia, 1997 and American Cancer Society-leukemia, 1995).Leukemia can be diagnosed in a number of ways. Blood work is commonlydone in the laboratory. Different forms of blood work include checking thehemoglobin count, platelet count, or white blood cell count. X-rays areroutinely done for treatment follow-up. ultrasonography is also used as a treatmentfollow-up. CT Scan is a special type of x-ray used as a dilate cross sectionof a specific area of the body. Bone marrow is routinely tested to examineprogress of the disease. Spinal taps are also used in certain types of cancers.