Types and Symptoms of Leukemia

Blood cancer (leukemia) is a malignant neoplasm of white blood cells (leukocytes) are characterized by proliferation of abnormal white blood cells in the bloodstream. These cells are progressively infiltrated into the body tissues, especially in the bone marrow.

As a result, the bone marrow is damaged and loses its function to make red blood cells and normal white blood cells and platelets. As a result of deficiency of red blood cells, there will be anemic.

If the lack of normal white blood cells, then it can lead to decreased immune system. In addition, the lack of production of platelets can cause severe bleeding.
Classification and Symptoms of Leukemia

Basically, there are four types of leukemia are acute lymphocytic leukemia, chronic lymphocytic leukemia, acute myelogenous leukemia and chronic myelogenous leukemia. Leukemia in chronic phase can be continued at the acute stage. In the acute phase, patients usually will not last long and can die within weeks or even days. While in the chronic stage, patients have a longer life expectancy (can reach 1 year or more).

1. Acute lymphocytic leukemia

More common in children. The cause is not immediately known, but several factors are likely to be a factor that is driving force of genetic and immunologic factors as well as insecurity in the radiation and some chemicals.

Symptoms that occur in acute lymphocytic leukemia: bleeding such as nosebleeds, bleeding gums and easy bruising. The existence of red and dark brown spots, anemia, and weight menurun.Badan feels weak with rapid heartbeat. Pain in the bones or stomach. Pale face.

2. Chronic lymphocytic leukemia

It usually occurs in adults between the ages of 45-60 years. Characterized by the uncontrolled spread of small and abnormal lymphocytes in lymphoid tissues, blood and bone marrow. This type of leukemia is the type most mild and progress slowly and are benign. Genetic factors play an important role in this type.

Symptoms in chronic lymphocytic leukemia: anemia, always feeling tired, and fever. Enlarged lymph nodes. Highly susceptible to infection. Weight loss. Bones become ill. Swelling of the liver and spleen. Shortness of breath, palpitations, and bleeding.

3. Acute myelogenous leukemia

This type of leukemia, caused by normal mielosit cells develop into granulocytes (white blood cells containing granules) and transformed into malignant and will soon infiltrate into the body tissues, especially bone marrow that play an important role in the formation of normal blood cells. As a result, the bone marrow becomes damaged and loses its function in normal blood cell formation.

4. Chronic myelogenous leukemia

This type of leukemia called chronic leukemia granulositik. In these conditions, granulocytes (white blood cells containing granules) had abnormal cleavage in the bone marrow and in tissues. In the chronic phase, an increase in the number of granulocytes, anemia, weight loss, fever, and enlarged spleen.