Leukemia

What is Leukemia?

Leukemia is cancer that starts in the tissue that forms blood. In a persons body that is healthy, or without leukemia, their white blood cells die after a certain period of time. White blood cells are used to fight infection. Red blood cells carry oxygen throughout the body. White blood cells, red blood cells, and platelets are made from stem cells as the body needs them. When cells grow old or get damaged, they die, and new cells take their place. Unlike normal blood cells, leukemia cells do not die when they should. They may crowd out normal white blood cells, red blood cells, and platelets. This makes it hard for normal blood cells to do their work, which causes many other problems for the persons body. Experts do not know what causes this disease but you are more likely to get it if you have been exposed to large amounts of radiation, exposed to different chemicals, have genetic problems, or smoke. There are various kinds of leukemia, but chronic and acute will be the ones focused on.

What are the symptoms?

People with chronic leukemia may not have symptoms. The doctor may find the disease during a routine blood test. People with acute leukemia usually go to their doctor because they feel sick. If the brain is affected, they may have:
-->headaches
-->vomiting,
-->confusion,
-->loss of muscle control,
-->seizures.
Leukemia also can affect other parts of the body such as the digestive tract, kidneys, lungs, heart, or testes. Common symytoms for these kinds of leukemia are:
-->swollen lymph nodes that usually don't hurt, most common in the armpit or neck
-->fevers or heavy sweating throughout the night
-->feeling weak or tired
-->bleeding and bruising easily (bleeding gums, purplish patches in the skin, or tiny red spots under the skin)
-->swelling or discomfort in the abdomen (from a swollen spleen or liver)
-->weight loss
-->pains in the joints or bones.

What body systems are affected?

Integumentary
Cardiovascular
Immune
Muscular
Skeletal

Resources:
http://www.webmd.com/cancer/tc/leukemia-topic-overview
http://www.leukemia.org/hm_lls
http://www.medicinenet.com/leukemia/discussion-25.htm