Leukemia is a type of cancer that affects the blood-forming tissues, which grow in the lymphatic system and bone marrow. The condition affects the growth of white blood cells that play an important role in fighting against infection-causing bacteria. In a healthy person, these cells tend to divide and grow at a normal rate to protect the body; however, in leukemia patients, the white blood cells grow dramatically with the help of a special protein called M proteins.

These abnormal white blood cells restrict the growth of healthy cells and cause serious health disorders. The treatment for the disease is complicated and it depends on the symptoms of different types of leukemia. It can occur in individuals of any age and is divided into 4 main types, which are as follows:

1. Chronic and acute leukemia
In this type, white blood cells multiply at an abnormal rate and accumulate in the blood and bone marrow. It then crowds out the healthy cells in the bone marrow and slowly prevents the tissue from functioning properly. The process does not show any signs or symptoms until it overpowers healthy cells.

2. Lymphocytic and myelogenous leukemias
Lymphocytic leukemia occurs when the white blood cells or the bone marrow called the lymphocytes are overpowered by the cancerous cells. Lymphocytes play an important role in the immune system. Myelogenous leukemia is a condition in which the bone marrow cells start producing both red and white blood cells instead of just white blood cells.

3. Acute lymphocytic leukemia
This condition mostly affects the children below 5 years and adults above the age of 50.

4. Chronic lymphocytic leukemia
Men are more prone to this condition when compared to women. Individuals above the age of 55 are at a higher risk of chronic lymphocytic leukemia and younger adults and children are rarely affected by it.

5. Acute myelogenous leukemia
It is a rare type of cancer that spreads quickly when compared to other types and is mostly found in men than in women. The main factor that triggers this condition is environmental changes.

6. Chronic myeloid leukemia
This type is mostly found in adults when compared to children. It is very rare for children.

7. Symptoms of leukemia
The diagnosis and treatment for leukemia are determined based on the symptoms of different types of leukemia. Some of the common symptoms are:

• Poor blood clotting: The clotting process gets delayed when an individual suffering from leukemia gets hurt. Bruises and bleeding will take longer to heal and will develop small purple or red spots on different parts of the body called petechiae. This condition happens when white blood cells overpower the platelets which are responsible for the clotting of blood.
• Frequent infections: Dysfunctioning of the white blood cells weakens the immune system and fighting off infections becomes much more difficult. A weak immune system means the individual is vulnerable to most diseases, exposing them to multiple other conditions.
• Anemia: The level of hemoglobin drops drastically, leading to anemia. This causes difficulty in breathing and the appearance of pale skin.
• Other common symptoms are:
  • Fever
  • Symptoms of flu
  • Bone pain
  • Nausea
  • Night sweats
  • Chills
  • Weight loss
  • Tiredness
  • Loss of appetite