Leukemia is defined as cancer of the bone marrow and blood. There are several types of leukemia. The most common type in children is Accute Leukemia, in which immature, functionless cells accumulate in the bone marrow and blood. The marrow then loses its ability to produce sufficient red and white blood cells and platelets.
Lack of white blood cells can result in the body's inability to fight off infection properly.
Lack of red blood cells can lead to anemia, which is common in leukemia patients.
Lack of platelets can cause easy bruising and bleeding.
No one knows what exactly causes leukemia. However, research points to gene mutations. Chronic or extraordinary exposure to benzene or irradiation is thought to lead to some cases. Most cases of leukemia are of an unknown origin.
The most common treatments are chemotherapy and/or bone marrow transplant.
Symptoms can include:
- Fatigue
- Infections
- Easily bruised
- Excessive bleeding
- Paleness
- Fever
According to the Leukemia Society of America:
- Ten times more adults than children will be diagnosed with leukemia.
- More than half of all cases of leukemia will occur in people over age 60.
- The overall survival rates for leukemia have more than doubled over the past 30 years.
- The leukemia death rate for U.S. children has declined 57% in the last 30 years.
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