5 myths and truth about leukemia

Take a look at the symptoms and types of treatment available for this disease

Leukemia is the tenth type of most common cancer among the Brazilians, without considering skin tumors non melanoma, according to data from the National Cancer Institute (Inca). The Agency estimates that only this year will be diagnosed with 11,540 new cases of illness.

Leukemia affects white blood cells, which are proliferated disordered in the bone marrow, replacing healthy blood cells. This can lead to anemia, neutropenia and platelets. These abnormal cells also migrate to blood flow and can cause leukocytosis and infiltration into organs such as liver and spleen.

Classification of leukemia

The disease is classified in acute and chronic, according to its progression. Acute leukemia is more aggressive. They evolve faster and symptoms appear in a few weeks. “Patients Present fatigueAsthenia, fever, infection and bleeding. Once the diagnosis has been defined, the treatment of chemotherapy should be launched promptly, “explains the hematologist Renata Lyrio, from D’Oncology.

Chronic leukemia are indolent and insidious diseases. Symptoms can take months to years to speak. Many patients have the diagnosis only after performing a routine examination that highlights leukocytosis; In the most advanced cases, they can have, in addition to leukocytosis, anemia and lymph nodes, increased liver and spleen.

Myeloid and lymphoblastic leukemiasSort

The disease can develop in two types of cells. One is the myeloid cell, which forms the bone marrow and produces white blood cells, platelets and red blood cells. The other is the lymphoid cell, which constitutes the lymphatic system, responsible for the defense of the body.

The diagnosis of acute myeloid leukemia (LMA) and acute lymphoblastic leukemia (LLA) requires an examination of the bone marrow with the harvest of immunophenotypish material of the bone marrow and genetic analysis. The diagnosis of chronic myeloid leukemia (LMC) and chronic lymphocytic leukemia (LLC) can be performed by the collection of peripheral blood.

Treatment for leukemia

The treatment depends on the type of leukemia and the patient age. In acute, the most common is chemotherapy. Young people or with High risk diseases Halogen bone marrow transplantation may be necessary, which consists in the removal of stem cells from a donor to be transplanted into the patient.

In chronic leukemia, the treatment consists of target therapy, a medicine that reaches one or more specific points of the body. This therapy has good efficacy, being less toxic than conventional chemotherapy.

Myths and truth about leukemia

Leukemias still raise many doubts in the population. Therefore, the hematologist Renata Lyrio clarifies some myths and truth about the disease. Check!

1. Anemia causes leukemia

Myth. Anemia does not cause or becomes leukemia. Leukemia is a blood disease, in which the bone marrow produces abnormal blood cells. Anemia is a condition that occurs when there is a reduction in the quantity of red blood cells.

2. Leukemia only causes symptoms when it is advanced

REAL. The symptoms are initially light and worsen over time and can be confused with common diseases, such as virus. Excessive tiredness, pallor, persistent fever, bleeding and body stains are warning signs.

3. If there is no family history, there is no risk

Myth. Most cases of leukemia are not linked to hereditary factors. Anyone can develop the disease.

4. Treatment always causes hair loss and many side effects

Myth. The side effects vary according to the type of leukemia and the protocol used. Not all treatments cause hair loss. There are more modern therapies, more effective and less than the side effects.

5. Leukemia cares

REAL. Exists effective treatment For all types of leukemia. Some patients can reach complete remission and survival gain, while others are healed.

By Nora Ferreira

Source: Terra

Ben

Ben Stock is a lifestyle journalist and author at Gossipify. He writes about topics such as health, wellness, travel, food and home decor. He provides practical advice and inspiration to improve well-being, keeps readers up to date with latest lifestyle news and trends, known for his engaging writing style, in-depth analysis and unique perspectives.