Leukemia: Understanding Blood Cancer, Symptoms, And Treatments

What is Leukemia?

Leukemia is a type of blood cancer that begins in the bone marrow, the body’s blood-forming tissue. It causes abnormal white blood cells to grow uncontrollably. These cells crowd out healthy blood cells, reducing the body’s ability to fight infections, carry oxygen, and control bleeding.

Understanding leukemia is essential. Early detection and proper treatment can improve survival and overall health. Awareness of its types, symptoms, and treatment options empowers patients and caregivers.

Types of Leukemia: Acute and chronic forms

Leukemia is a complex disease, and understanding its types is essential for proper diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis. It is primarily classified based on speed of progression, acute or chronic, and the type of blood cells affected. Recognizing the type of leukemia helps doctors choose the most effective treatment strategy and predict outcomes.

Acute Leukemia

Acute leukemia progresses rapidly, often developing over days or weeks. It primarily affects immature blood cells, which multiply uncontrollably and crowd out normal cells. 

Symptoms can appear suddenly, including 

• extreme fatigue
• fever
• easy bruising
• unexplained bleeding

Because of its fast progression, immediate medical attention is necessary to prevent severe complications, such as infections, anemia, or organ damage.

Subtypes of Acute Leukemia: ALL and AML

Acute leukemia is further divided into Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia (ALL) and Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML). 

ALL is most common in children but can occur in adults, while AML is primarily diagnosed in adults and often requires aggressive chemotherapy. Early detection and prompt treatment are critical for improving survival rates in acute forms.

Chronic Leukemia

Chronic leukemia develops slowly, sometimes over several years, and may remain asymptomatic for a long time. It often appears during routine blood tests, and patients may not notice symptoms initially.

 Common signs, when present, include : 

•  fatigue
•  mild infections
•  swollen lymph nodes
• unexplained weight loss.

Chronic forms are often manageable over the long term, allowing patients to maintain a good quality of life with regular follow-up care.

Subtypes: Lymphocytic vs. Myeloid

Leukemia is also classified according to the type of blood cell affected.

• Lymphocytic Leukemia

 This type targets lymphoid cells, which are critical for immune defense. The disease affects the lymphatic system, including the lymph nodes, spleen, and thymus, leading to compromised immunity. Lymphocytic leukemia includes ALL and CLL.

• Myeloid Leukemia

Myeloid leukemia affects myeloid cells, which are responsible for producing red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. This form disrupts normal blood production, leading to anemia, infections, and increased bleeding risk. AML and CML are the main myeloid subtypes.

Understanding whether leukemia is lymphocytic or myeloid helps doctors determine which medications, therapies, and treatment schedules are most appropriate.

Symptoms of Leukemia

Early recognition of leukemia symptoms is crucial for timely treatment. Symptoms vary by type and stage.

General symptoms

• Persistent fatigue and weakness
• Fever or night sweats
• Frequent infections
• Unexplained weight loss
• Easy bruising or bleeding

Specific signs

Leukemia can cause visible physical changes:

• Pale or yellowish skin due to anemia
• Petechiae: tiny red or purple spots under the skin
• Swollen lymph nodes in neck, armpits, or groin
• Enlarged spleen or liver causing abdominal discomfort

Even mild symptoms should prompt a medical checkup, especially if they persist.

Diagnosis of Leukemia

Early and accurate diagnosis is crucial for effective treatment and improved patient outcomes. At Biruni Hospital, our expert hematologists use advanced diagnostic techniques to detect leukemia promptly, ensuring personalized care from the start.

Physical examination

Doctors perform a thorough physical examination to check for signs of leukemia, such as swollen lymph nodes, an enlarged spleen, or unusual bruising. These visible symptoms can indicate abnormal blood cell production and help guide further testing.

Blood tests

• Complete Blood Count (CBC): Measures the levels of red and white blood cells and platelets, providing essential information about overall blood health.
• Peripheral Blood Smear: Blood cells are examined under a microscope to detect abnormal shapes or numbers, which can indicate leukemia.

Bone Marrow tests

• Aspiration and Biopsy: Samples from the bone marrow reveal the presence of leukemia cells and the extent of the disease.
• Genetic Testing: Identifies mutations and chromosomal changes, helping doctors at Biruni Hospital choose the most effective, personalized treatment plan.

Imaging Tests

CT scans, X-rays, and ultrasounds help detect organ enlargement or other complications caused by leukemia, supporting a complete and accurate diagnosis.

By combining advanced testing with expert interpretation, Biruni Hospital ensures patients receive a timely, precise diagnosis, which is the first step toward effective treatment and better outcomes.

Treatment options for Leukemia at Biruni Hospital

At Biruni Hospital, we provide comprehensive, personalized care for patients with leukemia. Treatment plans are tailored to each patient, taking into account the type of leukemia, age, overall health, and disease aggressiveness. 

Our multidisciplinary medical team, including hematologists, oncologists, nurses, and support specialists, designs the most effective treatment strategy. Most patients receive a combination of therapies specifically adapted to their condition.

Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy is a key treatment for many types of leukemia, especially acute forms. It uses powerful medications to destroy leukemia cells or stop their growth. At Biruni Hospital, chemotherapy can be given:

• Orally (by mouth)
• Intravenously (through a vein)
•  Directly into the cerebrospinal fluid in certain cases of acute lymphoblastic leukemia

Treatment is given in cycles, allowing the body time to recover. Side effects may include fatigue, nausea, hair loss, or increased risk of infection. Despite these effects, chemotherapy often achieves remission, reducing or eliminating leukemia cells.

Radiation Therapy

 Radiation therapy uses high-energy rays to destroy leukemia cells in targeted areas. It may be recommended:

•  To prepare for a stem cell transplant
• To treat leukemia that has spread to the brain or spinal cord
• To reduce the size of enlarged organs, such as the spleen

At Biruni Hospital, radiation therapy is delivered with advanced precision techniques to minimize impact on healthy tissue while effectively targeting affected areas.

Stem Cell Transplant (Bone Marrow Transplant)

 Our Blood Stem Cells Center offers advanced stem cell transplants to replace damaged or diseased bone marrow with healthy donor cells. This treatment can be recommended for high-risk or relapsed leukemia and may help patients achieve long-term remission. 

Types of transplants include:
• Autologous: Using the patient’s own stem cells collected before treatment
• Allogeneic: Using stem cells from a matched donor, either a family member or an unrelated donor

Our expert team carefully monitors patients post-transplant to manage risks such as graft-versus-host disease and ensure the best outcomes.

Targeted Therapy

 Targeted therapy focuses on specific genetic changes or proteins in leukemia cells, leaving healthy cells largely unharmed. It is particularly effective for chronic leukemias such as CML or certain subtypes of ALL. Examples include:
• Tyrosine kinase inhibitors for CML
• Drugs targeting mutated proteins in AML or ALL

This therapy helps control the disease long-term, often with fewer side effects than conventional chemotherapy.

Immunotherapy

 Immunotherapy harnesses the patient’s immune system to fight leukemia. It is especially effective in relapsed or resistant leukemia and certain types of ALL and CLL. 

Options include:
• CAR-T cell therapy, where the patient’s T-cells are modified to attack leukemia cells
• Monoclonal antibodies, which specifically bind to leukemia cells and mark them for destruction

At Biruni Hospital, our team closely monitors patients to manage side effects such as fever, low blood pressure, or inflammation, ensuring safe and effective treatment.

With advanced therapies, a multidisciplinary approach, and our specialized Blood Stem Cells Center, Biruni Hospital provides state-of-the-art leukemia care in Turkey, aiming for the best possible outcomes for every patient.

Combining Treatments

In many cases, patients receive a combination of therapies: for example, chemotherapy followed by a stem cell transplant, or targeted therapy combined with immunotherapy.

 The exact combination depends on:

• Leukemia type and genetic mutations
• Patient age and overall health
• Response to initial treatment

This personalized approach maximizes effectiveness while minimizing side effects.

Prognosis and Outlook

The outlook for people with leukemia can vary depending on the type of leukemia, age, overall health, and how well treatment works. The good news is that early diagnosis and timely treatment can make a big difference in improving survival and quality of life.

What Affects Prognosis?

Several factors influence how a patient may respond to leukemia treatment:

• The specific type and subtype of leukemia.
• Age and general health at the time of diagnosis.
• How well the patient responds to treatment and follows medical advice.
• The presence of certain genetic changes in the leukemia cells.

Understanding Survival Rates

• ALL (Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia): Children often respond very well to treatment and have a high cure rate. Adults can also do well, though rates are lower.
• AML (Acute Myeloid Leukemia): Outcomes vary, but starting treatment early usually improves results.
• CLL and CML (Chronic Leukemias): These forms can often be managed long-term with targeted therapies. Many patients live for decades while maintaining a good quality of life.

Living with Leukemia at Biruni Hospital

Living with leukemia involves more than medical treatment. At Biruni Hospital, we focus on comprehensive care that includes emotional support, lifestyle guidance, and regular follow-ups to help patients maintain the best possible quality of life.

Emotional Support

 A leukemia diagnosis can be overwhelming for both patients and their families. At Biruni Hospital, our team provides counseling, therapy, and access to support groups to help patients navigate the emotional challenges of treatment. Feeling supported and understood enhances resilience and overall well-being throughout the journey.

Lifestyle Adjustments

 Simple lifestyle changes can have a significant impact on health and recovery:
• Maintain a balanced diet to strengthen your immune system and sustain energy levels
• Engage in light, regular exercise as tolerated to support overall health
• Practice good hygiene and stay up to date with vaccinations to prevent infections

Our specialists at Biruni Hospital work with patients to develop practical, personalized strategies that fit their daily lives and treatment plans.

Follow-Up Care

 Even after active treatment, regular check-ups at Biruni Hospital are essential. These visits allow doctors to monitor for any signs of leukemia returning, manage side effects, and support long-term health. Patients with chronic leukemia may require lifelong follow-up to stay on top of their condition, ensuring ongoing care and peace of mind.

At Biruni Hospital, our holistic approach combines advanced medical treatment with emotional support and lifestyle guidance, helping patients live well with leukemia while aiming for the best possible outcomes.

Embrace hope and healing with Biruni Hospital 

Leukemia can be challenging, but understanding its types, symptoms, and treatments is the first step toward effective care. At Biruni Hospital, patients benefit from advanced therapies, personalized treatment plans, and continuous support from a dedicated medical team. 

With expert guidance, state-of-the-art technology, and a patient-centered approach, Biruni Hospital helps individuals manage leukemia, improve outcomes, and maintain a better quality of life.