Leukemia refers to any of various types of blood cancer.
It is a common type of cancer.
Uncontrolled cell growth is the cause of this cancer. Leukemia is caused by uncontrolled cell growth as it involves the uncontrolled production of white blood cells which are abnormal or immature. These abnormal white blood cells are unable to perform their normal defense functions.
T-lymphotrophic virus (HTLV) can cause leukemia.
Treatment for leukemia involves chemotherapy; an usual treatment for acute leukemia to destroy the rapidly proliferating cancer cells. However some patients are treated with radiation therapy or bone marrow transplantation.
It can produce a wide range of symptoms, as the marrow is packed with immature white blood cells. Some of the common symptoms of leukemia include:
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Tissues may easily bruise due to inadequate production of platelets (produced in the bone marrow).
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Bleed excessively
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Increased risk for developing infections
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Anemia
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weight loss
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Fever and night sweats
