What is Leukemia? What are the causes and reasons for its occurrence?

Leukemia is a term, which refers to cancer caused in the blood-forming tissues. This includes the bone marrow and some of the lymphatic cells, and hence, sometimes it is also called as bone marrow cancer. This, basically, occurs when the white blood cells (also known as leukocytes) perform abnormally thus reducing its fighting properties. There are various kinds of leukemia that can occur from children to adult. Acute and Chronic leukemia are the two known ones.

Causes for its occurrence: The main cause of Leukemia is attributed when there is a mutation in the DNA, which causes the white blood cells to functioning abruptly. Basically, white cells keep growing and dividing at unknown pace, and this is the major cause of dysfunction. In general, white blood cells grow and die after a certain period of time. However, in case of leukemia, cells keep growing and living, which, in turn, reduces the number of healthy blood cells. As a result, the bad blood cells overpower and crowd the healthy blood cells causing the symptoms of cancer. 

There could be other reasons that may trigger its occurrence such as:

•   Genetic disorders - Genetic disorders such as dysfunctional DNA or in case anyone in the family already has had the disease, risks in the children increases.
• Exposure to chemicals such as benzene - Scientific research points out that exposure to chemicals such as benzene can also trigger leukemia.
• Continuous smoking - Smoking continuously can also hamper the lungs and increases the chances of acute myelogenous leukemia.
• Exposure to chemotherapy for previous cancer – People who have had radiotherapy or chemotherapy for certain other cancers have increased chances of developing certain kinds of leukemia.

Symptoms: Symptoms of leukemia are not specific; however, some common signs and symptoms include fever or chills, frequent infections, continuous tiredness, weakness, c, bone pain, easy bleeding, enlarged liver or spleen, swollen lymph nodes, recurring nosebleeds, and small red spots in the skin.

Leukemia treatment is complex, but there are medications and techniques to treat different kinds of leukemia. Get check up here at Polo Labs.