Leukemia, known as blood cancer in the society, is a type of cancer that occurs with the abnormal production and uncontrolled proliferation of blood cell precursors in the bone marrow, thus affecting the blood and all organs. Although the cause is not fully known, early diagnosis is vital in leukemia disease, which results in cure.
Hisar Intercontinental Hospital Hematology Department Specialist Prof. Dr. Ayşen Timurağaoğlu gave information about the diagnosis and treatment methods of leukemia.
Be aware of the symptoms!
The symptoms of leukemia vary depending on whether the disease has a slow (chronic leukemia) or rapid (acute leukemia) course. Chronic leukemias often do not cause symptoms and can be detected in routine blood tests. More rarely, due to spleen enlargement, pain in the left side of the abdomen, rapid satiety, night sweats, weight loss, and swelling in areas such as the armpit, groin, and neck may be observed. The course of chronic leukemias is determined by years or even decades. In acute leukemia, since the production of normal blood cells will be affected, there may often be weakness, fatigue, gum and nose bleeding, bruises on the body, persistent fever, bone and joint pain, and patients consult a physician due to one or more of these complaints. The course of acute leukemia is very rapid and these complaints appear and increase within days. For this reason, treatment may not always be required in chronic leukemias, but this is not the case for acute leukemias, and treatment should be started as soon as possible, otherwise death will result.
In leukemias, the type of disease can be determined with advanced diagnostic methods. In addition to physical examination, blood tests should be performed and bone marrow should be evaluated. With advanced diagnostic methods, we can determine which blood cell and developmental stage the leukemia originates from, as well as possible chromosomal disorders in leukemic cells, which we use to predict the course of the disease. Treatment is started after these examinations.
Environmental factors can trigger leukemia!
Although the causes of leukemia are unknown, there are many factors that can increase the risk of developing leukemia. One of these factors The main ones are;
· Exposure to high levels of radiation,
· Chemicals used in industry such as benzene and formaldehyde,
· Having previously received chemotherapy or radiotherapy due to another cancer,
· Smoking. drinking,
· Presence of some genetic diseases,
· Presence of leukemia or another cancer disease in the family,
· Diagnosis of some blood diseases such as myelodysplastic syndrome, myeloproliferative diseases (including some chronic leukemias), aplastic anemia People who are diagnosed may be at risk of leukemia.
The recovery rate in leukemia is high with a disciplined treatment program!
The purpose of leukemia treatment is; It is to completely eliminate the disease and ensure that the person regains his health. The type of treatment and the results of the treatment depend on the type of leukemia and the patient's condition. Leukemia has become a treatable type of cancer thanks to the advanced treatment methods developed by medicine. The drugs used in the treatment of the disease are called chemotherapy. In some types of leukemia, drugs called smart molecules and bone marrow transplantation are the main methods. Bone marrow transplantation, in particular, is the only way to cure leukemia.
The process called bone marrow transplantation is stem cell transplantation, and stem cells are collected from the circulating blood, not from the bone marrow. Definitive cure for leukemia can be achieved through stem cell transplantation from someone else. In order for stem cell transplantation to be performed, the tissue groups of the patient and donor must be compatible. This harmony is highest among siblings from the same parents, at 25-30%. When a compatible donor cannot be found within the family, screening is performed first from stem cell banks in our country and then from stem cell banks abroad. Giving stem cells does not cause any harm to the donor. For this reason, any healthy individual between the ages of 18-50 can be a stem cell donor.
Every blood donated is vital in leukemia patients. may need blood products such as platelets and plasma. Not enough blood supply Failure to do so may result in the loss of the patient. For this reason, blood donation is as vital as medicines and ensures a healthier progress in the process.
During the disease, hygiene should be taken into consideration and nutrition should be taken into consideration.
The most important reasons why leukemia disease results in death are infections and bleeding. Although infections are caused by bacteria in the patient's own body, they can also be transmitted from the environment and food. For this reason, extreme attention should be paid to body cleanliness, the cleanliness of the items used, the food and the environment where the patient is located.
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