Leukemia Research Paper

Leukemia is cancer of the body's blood-forming tissues, as well as the bone marrow and lymphatic system and is thought to occur when some blood cells acquire mutations in their DNA. Many types of leukemia exist, some of which are more common in children and others more common in adults. Leukemia usually involves the white blood cells, which are strong infection fighters. The white blood cells normally grow and divide in an orderly way as your body needs them. But people with leukemia, the bone marrow produces abnormal white blood cells, which do not function properly. Certain abnormalities cause the cell to grow and divide more rapidly and to be able to continue living when normal cells would die. Over time, the abnormal cells crowd out
The most common signs and symptoms include: fever or chills, weakness, severe infections, loss of weight without trying, swollen lymph nodes, enlarged liver or spleen, easy bruising and/or bleeding, recurrent nosebleeds, tiny red spots on the skin (also known as petechiae, excessive sweating and bone pain. Leukemia symptoms are often vague, which may cause you to overlook early leukemia symptoms because they may just be symptoms of a common flu or other common illness. Doctors may find chronic leukemia in a routine blood test before symptoms even begin. If this happens, or you have signs/symptoms that suggest leukemia, you may undergo physical exams, blood tests or bone marrow tests. You should make an appointment with your family doctor if you experience persistent signs or symptoms that worry you. If he/she suspects you have leukemia, then you will be referred to a doctor who specializes in diseases of blood and bone marrow. Since appointments are often brief and there's a lot of stuff to cover, you need to come prepared. Here's some ideas to help: be aware of any pre-appointment restrictions, write down the symptoms you're experiencing, write down key personal information, make a list of all medications you're taking and write down questions to