interesting fact!(non scientific article)

According to Penn state researchers, some metabolites in Omega-3 are able to selectively kill stem cells which cause leukemia in mice. They were cured with no relapses. These compounds kills leukemia stem cells by activating gene p53, which is responsible for coding for the stem cell apoptosis.

 

Science daily. (2011, Decem 22). Retrieved from http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111222103112.htm

Who Are at Risk?

Here are some of the common causes:-

Radiation: People who are exposed to high amounts of radiation are at higher risk of CML, AML or ALL.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ionizing_radiation

Smoking: Increases chances of getting AML

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cigarette

Benzene: Found in cigarettes and gasoline. Widely used in the chemical industry. Increases chances developing of AML, CML and ALL.

Down syndrome and certain other inherited diseases: Increases chances of developing acute leukemia.

Hair dyes:

http://vi.sualize.us/pic_rainbow_color_rainbow_hair_picture_o37F.html

 

2. Medicinenet. (2011). Retrieved from http://www.medicinenet.com/leukemia/page4.htm

leukemia cures

some cures for leukemia are:

1.watchful waiting

2.chemotherapy

3.radiation therapy

4.stem cell transplant

the choice of treatment recommended for each individual will depend mainly on his/her:

1. age

2. type of leukemia(acute or chronic)

3. presence of leukemia cells in cerebrospinal fluid

4. general health

People suffering from acute leukemia needs to be treated right away(consolidation therapy) whereas people suffering from chronic leukemia but do not show symptoms do not require cancer treatment right away(watchful waiting). Instead, their doctor will supervise their health so that treatment can start once they symptoms start to show.

Consolidation therapy is able to keep the cancer in remission, but chronic leukemia is seldom cured with chemotherapy. Stem cell transplant offers a higher chance of being cured.

References:-

1. Medicinenet.com. (2009, 24 6). Retrieved from http://www.medicinenet.com/leukemia/page6.htm

Leukemia Symptoms

Some common Leukemia symptoms are:-

Bruising and bleeding easily

http://www.beltina.org/health-dictionary/ecchymosis-bruise-definition-causes.html

 

Fever

http://summitpediatrics.blogspot.sg/2011/02/fever-friend-or-foe.html

Night sweats

http://www.girlreworked.com/category/your_body_your_self/

Swollen lymph nodes in neck and armpit

http://www.rituxan.com/hem/nhl/about-nhl/overview/signs-symptoms/index.html

http://health.allrefer.com/health/armpit-lump-swollen-lymph-nodes-under-arm.html

Weight loss

http://raspberryketonepure.net/

Headaches

http://elsoscorner.blogspot.sg/2012/01/3-types-of-headaches-need-emergency.html

Feeling weak or tired

http://www.allergy-sinus-care.com/feeling-tired-and-weak/

Frequent infections

http://www.sheknows.com/parenting/articles/811300/is-it-a-cold-or-allergies-tips-for-parents

References:-
1. Medicinenet. (2011). Retrieved from http://www.medicinenet.com/leukemia/page5.htm

Types of Leukemia

Acute Leukemia: The number of Leukemia cells increase rapidly. They do not carry out the functions of normal white blood cells. Worsen quickly.

Chronic Leukemia: People may not have symptoms at first. Leukemia cells may carry out the functions of white blood cells. When symptoms do appear, they are very mild and gradually get worse.

Myelogenous Leukemia: If cancerous change occurs in the marrow that produces red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets, the disease is myelogenous.

Lymphocytic Leukemia: If cancerous change occurs in the marrow that produces lymphocytes, the disease in lymphocytic.

Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia: Cancer of the bone marrow and blood. Affects blood and immune system. Most children do get cured after treatment. With the advances in technology, remission lengths have grown for adults as well.

Acute Myelogenous Leukemia: Cancer of the bone marrow and the blood that progresses very quickly without treatment. Cells that are not fully developed are affected. The cells cannot carry out their normal functions. Therefore treatment is needed as soon as possible.

Chronic Myelogenous Leukemia: Cancer of bone marrow and blood. Usually diagnosed in the chronic stage where treatment is most effective for patients.

Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia: Some CLL grow fast, while some grow slowly depending on the form it takes. With medical care, patients with CLL live long lives.

References:-

1. Understanding leukemia. (2011, october 26). Retrieved from http://www.lls.org/

Introduction

Leukemia is when the DNA of immature blood cells becomes damaged. This leads to them growing and dividing uncontrollably. This mainly occurs in white blood cells.

Main types of leukemia:-

Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia (ALL)

Children are the greatest at risk for developing ALL, peaking at age 4. The risk then reduces as people age but increases as they reach 50 years of age. This is especially common among men.

Acute Myelogenous Leukemia (AML)

AML is more commonly found in adults than in children.

Chronic Myelogenous Leukemia (CML)

CML is primarily found in adults but four percent of the cases are accounted for in children.

Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia  (CLL)

Most often, people diagnosed with the disease are over age 55. It almost never affects children.

References:-

1. Nordqvist , C. (2009, March 17). Medicinenet. Retrieved from http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/142595.php

2. Understanding leukemia. (2011, october 26). Retrieved from http://www.lls.org/

 

Acute Lymphocytic leukemia