When it comes to blood cancers most people have not heard of Multiple Myeloma but typically they have heard of Leukemia or Lymphoma. You may read that these blood cancers will only affect a certain race or age, but the reality is none of these blood cancers attack people of a specific age group. This disease affects people of all ages and races.There are four forms of Leukemia. Acute Myeloid (AML), Chronic Myeloid (CML), Chronic Lymphocytic (CLL), and Acute Lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL).
Leukemia is a cancer of the marrow and the blood. Acute leukemias are rapidly progressing diseases that affect cells that are not fully developed, and they cannot carry out their normal functions. Chronic leukemias usually progress more slowly and some of the cells can carry out normal functions. There is no one triggering event that is linked to Acute Myeloid Leukemia. It has been suggested that repeated exposure to the chemical benzene may be a factor in AML development. Benzene is a colorless, flammable liquid with a sweet odor. This chemical can be found in certain industrial settings as well as in cigarette smoke. In addition, certain genetic disorders such as Fanconi's anemia, Shwachman syndrome, and Down Syndrome are associated with an increase risk of AML.
AML is the most common acute leukemia affecting adults, and it is also the most common type of leukemia diagnosed during infancy. At least 15% to 20% of cases of leukemia are childhood and 82% are adulthood.
Some signs and symptoms of AML may include tiredness, a pale complextion from anemia, weight loss, discomfort in bones and joints, mild fevers, black and blue bruises occurring for no reason or a minor injury, swollen gums, and frequent minor infections.
Chronic Myeloid Leukemia is known to be less severe than AML. The CML cells grows and survive better than normal cells, but if they are left untreated there will be uncontrolled growth of CML cells. There is a gene, BCR-ABL, that will develop into CML. Researchers do not understand why this gene only forms in some people and not in others. It has also been reported that a small number of patients, CML can be caused be exposure to radiation. Most cases of CML occur in adults. Some of the signs and symptoms include tiredness, shortness of breath while doing everyday activities, enlarged spleen, paleness from anemia (decrease in red cells), night sweats, weight loss, and an inability to tolerate warm temperatures.
Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia results from an acquired change to the DNA of a single marrow cell that develops into a lymphocyte. At this time researchers still don't know what causes this change. CLL cells are known to survive better than normal cells too, but the uncontrolled growth will result in CLL cells in the blood. CLL has two different forms: slow growing and fast growing. CLL has not been linked to any environmental or external factors and more common in people who are 60 years old and older. Symptoms of CLL typically develop over time and some people may not have any symptoms at all. Those who do experience symptoms may deal with tiredness, weight loss, or swollen lymph nodes.
Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia results from an acquired or genetic injury to the DNA of a single cell in the marrow. The effects of ALL include uncontrollable growth and accumulation of cells called lymphoblasts or leukemic blasts, which fail to function as a normal blood cell. High doses of radiation are known to possibly increase the chances of ALL; however, researchers continue to look into lifestyle and environmental causes too. Signs and symptoms are the same as others such as pale skin, fever, weight loss, etc.
Pay attention to your body and if you feel something is wrong be proactive and seek medical attention. Stay on the medical staff and be sure to ask for a blood test because some of these blood cancers can only be detected through a blood test.
This post is dedicated to this little angel below, Paisley, who battled AML, and at 6 months old she is now sitting comfortably in God's arms. I thank her mother, Alexis, and aunt, Candace, for allowing me to post her picture and the shirt in her honor.
Remember with any Cancer diagnosis you will have your good days and bad days but keep God in your life and don't give up hope!
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