Onco Life Hospitals

Book PET CT Scan Appointment
Book Doctor Appointment
Understanding Cancer
Facebook Twitter Youtube Instagram Linkedin

Leukemia (Blood Cancer)

  • Home
  • Leukemia (Blood Cancer)

Leukemia (Blood Cancer)

A Cancer of the Blood and Bone Marrow

What is Leukemia?

Leukemia is a type of cancer that affects the blood and bone marrow — the soft, spongy tissue inside bones where blood cells are produced. It happens when the body starts producing abnormal white blood cells that do not function properly and begin to crowd out normal blood cells.

These abnormal cells multiply rapidly and can interfere with the body’s ability to fight infections, carry oxygen, and control bleeding.

Types of Leukemia

Leukemia is classified based on how fast it progresses (acute or chronic) and the type of blood cell affected (lymphoid or myeloid).

  1. Acute Leukemia – Fast-growing; needs immediate treatment
    • Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL) – Common in children
    • Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML) – More common in adults
  2. Chronic Leukemia – Slow-growing; may be monitored for years
    • Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL) – Often in older adults
    • Chronic Myeloid Leukemia (CML) – Associated with a genetic mutation (Philadelphia chromosome)

Symptoms of Leukemia

Symptoms may vary by type but often include:

  • Persistent fever or night sweats
  • Fatigue and weakness
  • Unexplained weight loss
  • Frequent infections
  • Bleeding or bruising easily (e.g., nosebleeds, bleeding gums)
  • Pale skin or anemia
  • Bone or joint pain
  • Swollen lymph nodes (neck, armpits, groin)
  • Enlarged spleen or liver
  • Tiny red spots under the skin (petechiae)

Note: Early symptoms can resemble the flu or common infections. Persistent or unusual symptoms should be investigated.

Causes & Risk Factors

  • Genetic mutations or chromosomal changes (e.g., Philadelphia chromosome in CML)
  • Exposure to high radiation (e.g., cancer radiotherapy or atomic exposure)
  • Certain chemicals (e.g., benzene, found in industrial solvents or tobacco smoke)
  • Chemotherapy for previous cancer
  • Genetic disorders (e.g., Down syndrome)
  • Smoking
  • Family history of leukemia
  • Weakened immune system

Diagnosis of Leukemia

  1. Blood Tests
    • Complete Blood Count (CBC): Checks levels of white cells, red cells, and platelets
    • Peripheral smear: Observes abnormal cells under a microscope
  2. Bone Marrow Aspiration & Biopsy
    • Samples are taken from the hip bone to check for leukemia cells
  3. Cytogenetic Testing
    • Identifies chromosome abnormalities (e.g., Philadelphia chromosome)
  4. Flow Cytometry
    • Determines the type of leukemia and how aggressive it is
  5. Imaging (in some cases)
    • Chest X-ray, ultrasound, or CT scan to check organ involvement

Leukemia Staging & Classification

Leukemia is not staged like solid tumors. Instead, it is classified based on:

  • Cell type (lymphoid or myeloid)
  • Speed of progression (acute vs. chronic)
  • Cytogenetic profile (mutations that affect prognosis)
  • Risk level (low, intermediate, or high risk)

Treatment Options at Onco-Life Cancer Centre

Our expert hemato-oncologists design a personalized treatment plan based on leukemia type, age, and patient condition.

  1. Chemotherapy
    • Main treatment for most types, often in cycles
    • Can be oral or intravenous
    • Side effects are managed with supportive care
  2. Targeted Therapy
    • Drugs that block specific mutations or proteins (e.g., Imatinib for CML)
  3. Immunotherapy & Monoclonal Antibodies
    • Helps the immune system destroy cancer cells (e.g., Blinatumomab, Rituximab)
  4. Bone Marrow / Stem Cell Transplant
    • Replaces diseased bone marrow with healthy donor stem cells
    • Considered in high-risk or relapsed leukemia
  5. Radiation Therapy
    • Rarely used; may help in localized disease or before a transplant
  6. Supportive Care
    • Blood transfusions
    • Antibiotics for infections
    • Growth factors (to boost blood cell production)
    • Nutritional support and counseling

Preventive Measures & Monitoring

Leukemia cannot always be prevented, but you can reduce your risk by:

  • Avoiding tobacco and exposure to toxic chemicals
  • Managing other chronic illnesses and infections
  • Avoiding unnecessary radiation exposure
  • Regular health check-ups, especially with family history

Leukemia in Children

  • Most common childhood cancer (especially ALL)
  • Highly treatable with cure rates >80% in early stages
  • Requires special pediatric oncologist care

Leukemia in India: Rising Awareness Needed

  • Often diagnosed late due to non-specific symptoms
  • CML and AML are more common in Indian adults
  • Pediatric ALL highly curable with timely treatment
  • Growing availability of bone marrow transplants in India

Most Popular Questions

Leukemia (Blood Cancer)

1. Is leukemia curable?

Yes. Many forms, especially childhood ALL and early CML, are curable with the right treatment.

2. What is the difference between acute and chronic leukemia?

Acute progresses rapidly and needs urgent treatment; chronic develops slowly over time.

3. How is leukemia different from lymphoma?

Leukemia starts in blood and bone marrow; lymphoma starts in lymph nodes and immune tissue.

4. Can leukemia affect children and adults?

Yes. ALL is more common in children; AML, CLL, and CML are more common in adults.

5. What is a bone marrow transplant?

A procedure to replace damaged bone marrow with healthy stem cells (from self or donor).

6. Are all leukaemia’s treated with chemotherapy?

Most are, but some types may be treated with targeted drugs or immunotherapy.

7. What are the side effects of chemotherapy?

Hair loss, fatigue, low immunity, nausea, and increased risk of infection. These are manageable.

8. Can leukaemia spread to other organs?

Yes, especially the liver, spleen, lymph nodes, and in some cases, the brain and spinal cord.

9. What is CML and how is it treated?

Chronic Myeloid Leukaemia is treated with targeted drugs like Imatinib that patients may take for years.

10. Does leukaemia cause pain?

Sometimes, due to bone marrow expansion or infections. Pain is manageable with medications.

11. Can leukaemia cause anaemia?

Yes. It reduces red blood cell production, leading to fatigue and breathlessness.

12. What is the role of blood transfusions?

They help manage low haemoglobin or platelet counts during treatment.

13. How often do patients need to visit during treatment?

Frequently during chemotherapy cycles; then monthly or quarterly for follow-up.

14. Is leukaemia hereditary?

Most cases are not inherited, but family history may slightly increase risk.

15. Can leukaemia return after remission?

Yes. Relapse is possible. Regular follow-up is essential to catch it early.

16. What is the success rate of leukaemia treatment?

Depends on the type and stage. Childhood ALL has >80% cure rate. Early CML >90% long-term control.

17. Is it safe to live with someone who has leukaemia?

Yes. Leukaemia is not contagious.

18. What foods should leukaemia patients eat?

High-protein, hygienic, easy-to-digest foods; avoid raw/uncooked items during low immunity.

19. Can patients continue working during treatment?

It depends on the type and intensity of treatment. Many resume work during or after recovery.

20. Where can I find a stem cell donor in India?

Registries like DATRI, Bone Marrow Donor Registry India, and others help match donors.