Acute leukemia is a cancer that involves the white cells, or leukocytes. It attacks the white blood cells in the bone marrow or in tissues that are part of the lymphatic system. These include the lymph nodes, the spleen and the liver. These cancerous cells proliferate are dispatched into the blood stream. Here, they can spread and affect any of the tissues of the body. There are several different types of leukemia. They include acute lymphocytic leukemia, or ALL. This disorder is particularly prevalent in children. Acute myelogenous leukemia, or AML, is more common in people over 60. If untreated, acute forms of leukemia can be rapidly fatal. Acute leukemia is the most common form of cancer in children between ages 2 and 5, and occurs more often in males.
Causes of Leukemia, Acute
Although the cause of these disorders is not clearly known, previous exposure to radiation or toxic chemicals are predisposing factors.
Signs and Symptoms of Leukemia, Acute
The symptoms produced by all of the acute forms of leukemia are similar. The cause fever and fatigue. Anemia is often present, leading to generalized weakness, shortness of breath, pallor and rapid heart rate. Since some of the elements of bone marrow production, such as the platelets are not produced in adequate numbers, there can be bleeding and easy bruising. This typically causes recurrent nosebleeds, bleeding from the gums or excessive menstrual bleeding. When the spleen or liver is involved, a mass or swelling may be felt in the upper abdomen, or there may be abdominal swelling. . There may be abdominal pain. Lumps in the neck, armpit and groin may develop as the lymph nodes are affected. There is an increased susceptibility to infection, especially pneumonia and mouth infections with ulcers and sores. If the linings of the brain become involved, headache, lethargy or seizures may occur.
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Medical Content Last Updated on 07/12/2008
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