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Leukemia White Blood Cell - What happens when white blood cells are affected by leukemia?White blood cell is one of the most important components of blood. The main function of these cells is to immunize the body from contagious diseases and foreign materials such as viruses and bacteria. These cells originate from the bone marrow of large bones.
What is leukemia?
Leukemia is a term given to cancer of the blood or of the bone marrow. This disease results in abnormal proliferation of white blood cells or leukocytes. Leukemia is a part of
the hematological neoplasms. Leukemia is of mainly of four types, namely, acute lymphocytic leukemia, acute myelogenous leukemia, chronic lymphocytic leukemia and chronic myelogenous leukemia. Acute leukemia involves rapid growth of WBCs. Due to excessive production of malignant cells; the bone marrow is unable to produce healthy blood cells. This disease is mostly common among children. Chronic leukemia mostly occurs in adults. It results in accumulation of abnormal and immature white blood cells. When leukemia affects lymphatic cells it is known as lymphocytic leukemia. When leukemia affects the myeloid cells it is known as myelogenous leukemia.
Symptoms of leukemia
The symptoms related to leukemia are similar to those related to any other cancer. The patient suffering from leukemia experiences frequent chills, fever and other flu like symptoms. One may experience a loss of appetite and weight. This is accompanied by weakness and fatigue. One may have swollen or bleeding gums. Neurological symptoms such as headache are also accompanied with this kind of disease. The patient may contain an enlarged liver and spleen.
Causes of leukemia
It is said that leukemia is influenced by genetic and environmental factors. However, the exact cause of leukemia is still unknown. Similar to other cancer, leukemia results from somatic mutations in the DNA. These mutations may occur spontaneously or when one is exposed to radiation or carcinogenic substances. Research says that exposure to petrochemical substances such as benzene and hair dyes may also result in leukemia of white blood cells. It is also said that certain viruses too are responsible for causing leukemia. If the causative agent is not detected at the initial stage, then the seriousness of leukemia may increase. Hence, it is very important to detect and curtail this disease at its initial phase.
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