Leukemia

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Leukemia


Leukemia is a disease characterized by the formation of abnormal numbers
of white blood cells, for which no certain cure has been found. Leukemia is also
conditions characterized by the transformation of normal blood-forming cells
into abnormal white blood cells whose unrestrained growth overwhelms and
replaces normal bone marrow and blood cells.
Leukemias are named according to the normal cell from which they
originate, such as Lymphocyte Leukemia. Lymphocyte Leukemia is where a
Lymphocyte cell is transformed into a Leukemia cell. Another example of
Leukemia is Myelocytic or (Granulocytic Leukemia). This forms when a Myelocytic
cell is changed or transformed into a Leukemia cell. Different Leukemia's are
located in the microscope and by how much protein they contain. These
Leukemia's are usually very severe and need treatment right away. The present
incidence of new cases per year in the United States is about 25 to every
100,000 persons.
The danger to the patient lies in the growth of these abnormal white
cells, which interfere with the growth of the red blood cells, normal white
blood cells, and the blood platelets. The uncontrolled growth of the abnormal
white cells produces a tendency to unstop bleeding, the risk of getting serious
infection in the wounds, and a very small possibility of obstruction of the
blood vessels.
Treatment of these Leukemias include chemotherapy with alkylafing agents,
or antimetabodies that suppress the growth of abnormal white cells. Another
treatment of some kind would be the x-ray or the administration or radioactive
substances, or radiophosphorus, may be used. After treatment these diseases may
last for many years. Age of the person diagnosed with Leukemia does play an
important part in how that individual responds to any treatment. The older the
person the less response he may have to treatment. Leukemia in Animals white
blood cells is much less c...