Leukemia (or leukaemia; see spelling differences)(Blood Cancer) is a cancer of the blood or bone marrow characterized by an abnormal proliferation of blood cells, usually white blood cells (leukocytes). It is part of the broad group of diseases called hematological neoplasms.
No one knows what causes leukemia. Researchers have strong suspicions about four possible causes, however. They are radiation, chemicals, viruses, and genetic factors. Leukemia, like other cancers, result from somatic mutations in the DNA which activate oncogenes or inactivate tumor suppressor genes, and disrupt the regulation of cell death, differentiation or division. These mutations may occur spontaneously or as a result of exposure to radiation or carcinogenic substances and are likely to be influenced by genetic factors. Cohort and case control studies have linked exposure to petrochemicals, such as benzene, and hair dyes to the development of leukemia.
Viruses have also been linked to some forms of leukemia. Certain cases of ALL are associated with viral infections by either the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV, responsible for AIDS) or human T-lymphotropic virus (HTLV-1 and -2, causing adult T-cell leukemia/lymphoma).
Fanconi anemia is also a risk factor for developing acute myelogenous leukemia.
Until the cause or causes of leukemia are found, there is no way to prevent the disease.
Damage to the bone marrow, by way of displacing the normal marrow cells with increasing numbers of malignant cells, results in a lack of blood platelets, which are important in the blood clotting process. This means people with leukemia may become bruised, bleed excessively, or develop pinprick bleeds (petechiae).
White blood cells, which are involved in fighting pathogens, may be suppressed or dysfunctional, putting the patient at the risk of developing infections.
Finally, the red blood cell deficiency leads to anemia, which may cause dyspnea. All symptoms may also be attributable to other diseases; for diagnosis, blood tests and a bone marrow biopsy are required.
Some other related symptoms
Fever, chills, and other flu-like symptoms
Weakness and fatigue
Loss of appetite and/or weight
Swollen or bleeding gums
Neurological symptoms (headache)
Enlarged liver and spleen
2006-10-15 15:06:48
·
answer #1
·
answered by Anonymous
·
0⤊
0⤋
I really do not understand the question. Get cancer how, from someone or something? Is that what you are asking? Well, first they don't know where most cancers come from. If you have cancer of the blood which could be many, many kinds and take many ,many forms it could be caused from anything. I have a blood disorder that can convert into cancer. Up until a few years ago the only treatment was a drug that caused 10% of people w to have cancer if they used the drug. Needless to say I opted out, my choice. But, I have been told by one Dr. that they blame chemical exposure for my condition but, of course I haven't a clue how I got it. So, we just have to not wonder why. Especially if there is no real answer, but go about our lives doing the best we can and try to stay as healthy as we can. If you or someone you love has cancer of the blood, I will be praying for you and them. God bless you .
2006-10-15 13:47:34
·
answer #2
·
answered by MISS-MARY 6
·
0⤊
0⤋
Nobody really knows how you get any kind of cancer, but the current theory is that you have to have some sort of genetic predisposition (this could happen even if you have no known family history of cancers) and then an environmental factor on top of that. The environmental factor can be just about anything--smoking, too much second-hand smoke, being exposed to abestos or radiation...you name it. Doesn't mean anybody did anything wrong or that there's really anything that can be done to prevent it.
2006-10-16 09:53:16
·
answer #3
·
answered by turdl38 4
·
0⤊
0⤋
no. genuinely, the excellent treatment is a bone marrow transplant. i'm 17 and am at the instant waiting for a transplant myself. I went through 5 rounds of chemo and that i assumed that i become interior the sparkling, then I have been given an extremely extraordinary rash sooner or later. I went to the wellness center the place they did a biopsy and then later found out that the leukemia had come lower back in my pores and skin. in order that which you understand, once you get chemo, that is extremely commonplace and predicted for the platelets and white blood cellular count huge type to drop. while you're quite in touch with regard to the white count huge type, you need to ask her surgeon if she might have a booster. I take a drug referred to as neupagen.( NEW-PA-GIN) which will develop the white count huge type very quickly. the day gone by, my white count huge type become 6,000, and on the instant it quite is 35,000. I essentially wish that this become worth it sluggish analyzing. Oh, and that's beneficial to look into supplements.. I take some that are meant to assist with the effects of chemo. I take nutrition D, nutrition C, and magnesium. additionally, to assist develop the immune device, attempt fermented wheat germ. in simple terms be certain you look for suggestion from the medical doctors. PLEASE ASK THE medical doctors. that is not any longer secure to take something without the ok from the medical doctors. GOD BLESS
2016-10-19 11:20:21
·
answer #4
·
answered by ? 4
·
0⤊
0⤋
I do not understand the question. Blood cancer...do you mean leukemia? If you do, than it is just a fluke that you get it. It is not really known what is the cause.
2006-10-15 13:38:20
·
answer #5
·
answered by robyn 4
·
0⤊
0⤋
Well, if you eat very little and when you actually eat, you only eat junk food like chips and stuff.
2006-10-15 13:42:24
·
answer #6
·
answered by Adam 1
·
0⤊
0⤋