Leukemia By: Fabiola Dominguez

What is leukemia? It’s cancer of your blood cells caused by a rise in the number of white blood cells in your body John Bennett named the disease leucocythemia, based on the microscopic accumulation of purulent leucocytes (1845). Alfred Velpeau defined the leukemia associated symptoms, and observed pus in the blood vessels (1825) Alfred Donné detected a maturation arrest of the white blood cells (1844) John Hughes Benett diagnosed it in Edinburgh

A Few Facts… Leukemia starts in the bone marrow There are four types: acute myeloid, chronic myeloid, acute lymphocytic, and chronic lymphocytic leukemia Acute leukemias are rapid- growing cancers chronic forms of the disease progress more slowly

Common misconceptions false true Leukemia Is Just One Disease It’s Only a Childhood Cancer Leukemia= certain death Leukemia is a diverse group of blood cancers most frequently diagnosed among people age 65 to 74 adults with chronic leukemia have five-year survival rates roughly between 60 and 80 percent. 

Causes Leukemia happens when the DNA of immature blood cells, mainly white cells, becomes damaged in some way. Family history of leukemia Smoking which increases chances of AML Genetic disorders such as down syndrome Blood disorders Previous treatment for cancer Exposure to radiation Exposure to chemicals such as benzene Not contagious leukemia is a rare disease most common type of acute leukemia in adults diagnosed among people age 65 to 74

symptoms bleeding, easy bruising, frequent infections, mouth ulcer, nosebleed, pallor, red spots on skin, shortness of breath, swollen lymph nodes, or unintentional weight loss dizziness, fatigue, fever, loss of appetite, or weakness

Lymphatic system: Leukemia The lymphatic system is closely related to the blood cell-forming system The lymphatic system is part of our immune system, which helps protect against disease and infection blood-cell-forming system in our marrow is closely linked to our lymphatic system lymphocytes travel between each node through the lymphatic channels, which meet at large ducts that empty into a blood vessel

The immune system: leukemia Lymphocytic leukemia refers to abnormal cell growth in the marrow cells that become lymphocytes, a type of white blood cell that plays a role in the immune system Directly affects the immune system through over production of white blood cells Weakens it causing higher risks of infection First line of defense: since it’s a mutation/ genetic trait there is no first line Second line of defense: creates a fever in order to eliminate any bacteria that can infect the body while producing an excess amount of white blood cells

The immune system: leukemia Specific defense: Humoral response- the body produces lymphocytes within the spleen in order to combat the infection which makes the cancer worse Cellular- the memory cells keep the production of white cells going, which harms the patient more than it helps them

Treatment plan Chemotherapy is the major form of treatment for leukemia. This drug treatment uses chemicals to kill leukemia cells. Biological therapy works by using treatments that help your immune system recognize and attack leukemia cells. Health insurance covers majority of cost Depending on what stage most bodies are receptive

Possible cures? There is treatment plans available but leukemia has no cure No chemicals have been proven or shown sign of relieving the overproduction Many studies are being carried out, however no progress has been made

Questions ?