When we mention the word cancer, the first thing that comes to mind is the presence of a mass or tumor, but what about leukemia?

What are the causes of leukemia?

Leukemia is not a single type, but a term that refers to several types of blood cell cancers.

• White blood cells: Helps the body fight infection.
• Red blood cells: Delivers oxygen from the lungs to the rest of the body's tissues.
• Platelets: It helps prevent and stop bleeding, as it moves to the affected area of ​​the body and gathers together to form a clot that helps stop the bleeding.

Leukemia develops when a mutation occurs in the DNA of white blood cells, causing them to grow too quickly and abnormally, crowding out healthy blood cells and making it difficult for them to carry out their normal functions.

Although the exact cause of the genetic mutation is not known, many causes and risk factors are associated with the occurrence of leukemia, including:

• Gender: According to statistics, men are more susceptible to leukemia than women.
• the age: The risk of developing most cases of leukemia increases with age, and the chances of developing it increase after the age of 65 years.
• Blood disorders: Blood disorders such as chronic myelogenous proliferation increase the chances of developing some Types of blood cancer Such as acute myelogenous leukemia.
• Family history: Many people wonder: Is leukemia hereditary?
• Congenital syndromesSome congenital syndromes, such as Down syndrome, increase the chances of developing acute myelogenous leukemia, which is a type of blood cancer.
• SmokingAlthough smoking may not be a direct cause of leukemia, it may increase the chances of developing it.
• ChemicalsOne cause of leukemia is long-term exposure to certain pesticides or industrial chemicals such as benzene.
• Electromagnetic fields: Prolonged exposure, such as living near power lines, may increase the risk of acute lymphoblastic leukemia.
• Previous cancer treatmentSome types of chemotherapy and radiation for cancers are linked to other leukemia risk factors.

Read also: Early symptoms of leukemia

What are the symptoms of leukemia?

Symptoms of leukemia may not appear in most people who have it. If they do appear, they may be mild at first and resemble symptoms of other diseases, or they may appear to be non-troubling symptoms, but they slowly worsen over time. 

Early symptoms of leukemia 

Initially, the symptoms of leukemia appear as follows: 

• Frequent feeling of fatigue.
• Pale skin.
• General weakness.
• shortness of breath.
• Weight loss.
• Recurring infections in the form of (mouth ulcers, sore throat, fever, frequent cough, burning with urination, boils on the skin, delayed wound healing).
• Bruising easily.
• Bleeding that does not stop easily from scratches and cuts.
• Night sweats.

Other less common symptoms include:

• Bone ache.
• Swollen gums.
• rash.
• Vision problems.
• vomiting.
• headache.
• Enlarged lymph nodes.
• Chest pain.

Symptoms may vary depending on the type of leukemia. Some types, such as chronic lymphocytic leukemia, may be accompanied by stomach pain because this type causes an enlargement of the spleen or liver.

Book your consultation now through Oncology center At Al-Mousa Hospital

Late symptoms of leukemia

As leukemia reaches the late stages, symptoms begin to get worse and become more serious, including the following:

• Chronic respiratory infection.
• Recurrent gastrointestinal infections.
• Severe anemia, which causes symptoms such as headache and loss of appetite.
• Dizziness and vertigo.
• Numbness in the hands and feet.
• More severe bleeding and bruising.
• Red spots on the surface of the skin.
• rash.
• Abdominal swelling.
• Other cancers.
• Bone and joint pain.
• Swollen lymph nodes.

In the last days of a leukemia patient’s life, he may experience the following symptoms:

• Slow breathing with long pauses for breathing.
• Breathe loudly.
• The skin becomes cold and turns dark blue, especially in the extremities.
• Dry mouth and lips.
• Decreased urine output.
• Loss of bladder and bowel control (urinary and fecal incontinence).
• Severe insomnia.
• Repeated involuntary movements.
• Lack of awareness of time, place, and identity of family members and close friends.
• Hallucinations.

Get to know me: Types of leukemia and common symptoms

When is leukemia fatal?

There are several types of leukemia, the most dangerous of which is known as acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Acute lymphoblastic leukemia develops rapidly and becomes fatal within just a few months if it is not treated.

Acute lymphoblastic leukemia begins in the bone marrow and affects white blood cells called lymphocytes.

When do symptoms of leukemia appear?

The duration of symptoms varies depending on the type of leukemia. Acute leukemia symptoms appear suddenly and develop very quickly. They are usually flu-like symptoms that appear suddenly within days or weeks.

What are the ways to prevent leukemia?

There is no specific way to prevent leukemia, but risk factors can be reduced through some healthy lifestyle and dietary habits, including:

• Quit or reduce smoking.
• Maintain a healthy weight and lose excess weight according to a nutritional plan developed by the doctor.
• Exercising regularly.
• Avoid inhaling some chemicals linked to breast cancer, such as benzene and formaldehyde.
• Conduct periodic examinations if there is a family history of leukemia, for early diagnosis and thus increasing the chances of recovery.

In our article, we presented the causes of leukemia and risk factors for developing it, and we always advise you not to neglect any symptom, even if it seems simple, especially since most serious cases may begin with symptoms that appear normal or resemble symptoms of non-worrying conditions. Book Appointment Within the clinics of Al Mousa Specialist Hospital to ensure distinguished service at the hands of a group of the best doctors in the Kingdom.