The Facts About Leukemia Understanding What is Leukemia
Is leukemia a type of cancer? Yes, it is one of the types of cancer. But it is a type that doesn't form a solid tumor. This is just one of the interesting leukemia facts. So sit tight and read on...
What is leukemia?
It is often regarded as a childhood disease but it also strikes adults.
It is characterized by too much lymphocytes in the blood. Lymphocytes are not evil. In fact, they are defenders of your body against bacteria and viruses...but some lymphocytes become damaged and some remain immature.
These damaged and immature white blood cells multiply out-of-control and don’t die as they should. They become cancerous and are now called as leukemic cells.
Where does leukemia originate?
The disease begins in the soft, inner parts of your bones called bone marrow. Your bone marrow are responsible for producing your...
white blood cells or lymphocytes,
platelets, and
red blood cells.
Is leukemia always fatal?
The acute type is always deadly. The chronic type is slow-growing. It doesn't cause harm immediately but if left untreated, it still causes harm. The leukemic cells can hinder the production of important cells in your lymphatic system.
Your red blood cells carry oxygen throughout the body, your platelets are in charge of proper clotting of your blood, andyour healthy lymphocytes are for the prevention of attacks from viruses and bacteria.
Based on the facts about leukemia, the leukemic cells can...
engulf the bone marrow,
enter and travel through the bloodstream, and
attack your lymph nodes, spleen, liver and central nervous system such as the brain and spinal cord.
Who discovered leukemia?
The Greeks are believed to have first recognized the disease during the 5th century. The term "leukemia" comes from 2 Greek words - "leukos" and "hemia" which mean white blood.
But it was John Hughes Benett who made the first diagnosis in Edinburgh in 1845.
What are leukemia statistics?
It affects more men than women. The chronic type is more common among older people while the acute type is mainly a pediatric disease.
According to facts about leukemia from the National Cancer Institute, the statistics for new cases are 44,790 and deaths due to the disease are 21,780 in the U.S. alone for 2009.
How many types of leukemia are there?
Based on leukemia facts, there are more than a dozen different types. But there are two main types of which four are the most common types.
In some instances, it is hereditary because your genetic make-up can cause leukemia. For example, you are more prone to developing leukemic cells if you are Jewish.
But the disease is also caused by many factors. You may read the following article to understand these important leukemia facts more...
The disease just like any other type of cancer gives signs and symptoms. That's why it is important to know what signs and symptoms to look out for so you can see your doctor. Early detection is crucial especially if it is the acute type.
For the signs and symptoms, check out the following article...
By the way, do you know that Marie Curie, who discovered radiation -- which causes the disease -- died of leukemia? This is just one of the true facts about leukemia.
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