Overview

Leukemia is a type of blood cancer that starts in the bone marrow. Depending on the type of blood cell involved and how quickly it gets worse, leukemia can be acute or chronic, lymphocytic or myeloid. It happens when abnormal white blood cells grow out of control and prevent normal blood cells from being made. These abnormal cells push healthy red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets aside, which can cause multiple health problems.  It can affect both kids and adults. Survival rates have increased significantly thanks to early diagnosis and new treatments.

Symptoms
Some common signs include tiredness, weakness, frequent infections, fever, and unexplained weight loss. Low platelet levels can make people bruise easily, have bleeding gums, or bleed for a long time. You might have bone or joint pain and swollen lymph nodes. Because there aren't enough red blood cells, pale skin and shortness of breath are also common.

Causes
The exact cause of leukemia is unknown. Changes in the genes of bone marrow cells cause them to grow out of control. Risk factors include exposure to elevated radiation levels, specific chemicals like benzene, prior chemotherapy, tobacco use, and certain hereditary genetic disorders.

Diagnosis
Blood tests that show abnormal white blood cell counts are part of the diagnosis. A bone marrow test can show whether leukemia cells are present and determine what kind they are. More tests, such as genetic studies and imaging, help determine the severity of the disease and which treatment to provide.

Treatment
The kind and stage of leukemia will determine how it is treated. Chemotherapy, targeted therapy, immunotherapy, and stem cell transplantation are all options. Acute leukemia needs to be treated right away, but some chronic forms can be watched before treatment starts. It is very important to receive supportive care, including blood transfusions and infection control.

The prognosis differs based on the type of leukemia and the age of the patient. Modern medicine can cure a lot of different types of cancer, especially in kids. Early diagnosis, the right treatment, and regular follow-up all make a big difference in how long someone lives.