Causes of leukemia
The disease is a consequence of lesions of the bone marrow tissues responsible for the production of blood cells, which causes increased production of leukemic cells that multiply very quickly, with their further active development.
It is generally believed that the impetus for the development of this disease is a mutation of one bone marrow cell. Instead of developing into a white blood cell, it turns into a cancer cell. An abnormally degenerated white blood cell does not perform its functions and begins to divide uncontrollably. An increase in the number of cancer cells entails the displacement of healthy blood cells. As a result, anemia, frequent infectious diseases, and bleeding are recorded in patients. Pathological blood cells, penetrating into organs and lymph nodes, cause changes in them.
The main causes of the disease include:
viral exposure;
violation of proper nutrition (a large number of products with food additives and artificial dyes);
long-term ionizing radiation;
poisoning by carcinogens (chemicals or medications);
heredity.
Symptoms of leukemia
The initial stage of the disease is characterized by the absence of pronounced symptoms. With the further development of the disease , the following signs are noted:
constantly enlarged lymph nodes;
increased body temperature, in the absence of other diseases;
frequent viral diseases;
hematomas on the skin;
causeless nosebleeds;
prolonged healing of minor cuts to the skin;
dark large circles under the eyes;
pale skin;
insomnia;
deterioration of memory and concentration;
fatigue, general weakness.
Diagnosis of leukemia
To confirm this diagnosis, it is necessary to conduct a number of analyses and instrumental studies. The primary examination is carried out by a hematologist, he prescribes:
trepanobiopsy and bone marrow puncture;
biochemical and general blood analysis.
The patient should be monitored in parallel by an oncologist, who, if necessary, can prescribe additional studies.
Treatment of leukemia
A patient with such a diagnosis should be hospitalized in a special hematology hospital. Treatment of leukemia is carried out in several directions and includes:
the use of hormonal drugs;
transfusion of donor lymphocytes;
hematopoietic stem cell transplantation;
chemotherapy.
In the absence of proper and timely treatment, serious complications may occur, in the form of the development of tumors of tissues and organs and severe infections, due to prolonged wound healing.
The fatal outcome occurs at a late stage of the disease. In children with leukemia, the main danger is that a fatal outcome can occur as a result of any concomitant disease.
The risk group for the occurrence of this disease includes:
smokers;
people with genetically inherited ailments;
people who have suffered chemical poisoning;
people who have been exposed to radioactive radiation;
people with a hereditary predisposition to blood cancer.
Preventive measures:
regular strengthening of immunity;
the use of special protective equipment in places with increased radiation levels, as well as the use of special drugs that reduce the radiation dose;
careful handling of toxic substances.
