Leukaemia is a form of blood cancer that develops when immature white blood cells in the bone marrow multiply uncontrollably. These abnormal cells swarm the healthy cells that are trying to develop into healthy red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets. As a result, the body may not receive enough oxygen for its organs and tissues to operate effectively, and it may also be unable to fight off infections or create blood clots when needed.
In 2020, leukaemia accounted for 4% of all newly diagnosed cancer cases in Malaysia, making it the ninth most common cancer in the country.
There are four primary forms of leukaemia:
Leukaemia can be classified as acute or chronic based on how mature the majority of the cells are.
Acute leukaemia develops when bone marrow cells do not mature properly but continue to multiply and accumulate. Without treatment, most patients would not live more than a few months. However, some forms of acute leukaemia that respond well to treatment can be cured.
Chronic leukaemia cells mature partly and live longer than normal cells, eventually accumulating and crowding out normal bone marrow cells. Although chronic leukaemia symptoms may not appear for years, it is typically more challenging to treat than acute leukaemia.
Leukaemia is also classified according to the bone marrow cells that the cancer started in.
Myeloid leukaemia begins in early myeloid cells, which are precursors to white blood cells (except lymphocytes), red blood cells or platelet-making cells. Myeloid leukaemia is also referred to as myelogenous, myelocytic or non-lymphocytic leukaemia.
Lymphocytic leukaemia begins in cells that develop into lymphocytes. It is also referred to as lymphoid or lymphoblastic leukaemia. While both lymphocytic leukaemia and lymphomas begin in the same cells, leukaemia is mostly concentrated in the bone marrow and blood, whereas lymphoma typically affects the lymph nodes and other tissues.
Risk factors of the main types of leukaemia include:
Leukaemia causes deficiencies in healthy blood cells because leukaemia cells crowd out normal blood-producing cells in the bone marrow. This could then cause symptoms such as:
Other typical leukaemia symptoms include:
While these symptoms may not necessarily be caused by leukaemia, it is important to consult a doctor if any pain or discomfort persists or worsens.
Doctors would typically assess that patient’s medical history and perform a physical assessment to check for any enlarged lymph nodes, bruising, areas of bleeding or signs of an infection. A blood test may also be required to examine the levels of blood cells.
Other diagnostic tests include:
Learn more about the different types of screening and diagnostic procedures performed to diagnose leukaemia.
The course of treatment for leukaemia is determined by the type and extent of cancer, as well as the age and general health of the patient.
Treatments typically include:
Learn more about the different types of treatment technologies to treat leukaemia.
While leukaemia cannot be prevented, leading a healthy lifestyle may be helpful.
As doctors learn to treat tumours without increasing the risk of secondary leukaemia, the obvious advantages of treating life-threatening tumours with chemotherapy and radiation therapy should be assessed against the small possibility of developing secondary leukaemia.
On the other hand, staying away from industrial chemicals like benzene may reduce your risk of developing leukaemia. However, experts agree that only a small amount of leukaemia is possibly linked to industrial exposure to these chemicals.
There are currently no available routine screening tests for leukaemia. The disease is occasionally discovered from abnormal blood test results. Nonetheless, the best strategy to detect leukaemia early is to notify the doctor of any potential symptoms as soon as possible.
Early detection of leukaemia makes it easier to treat the disease with effective and appropriate treatment. A dedicated multidisciplinary team of specialists and oncologists at Pantai Hospitals is available for consultation to provide the best care and assistance to patients through screening, diagnosis, and treatment.
Get in touch with us to book an appointment today if you have any concerns or questions about leukaemia treatment options.
Pantai Hospitals have been accredited by the Malaysian Society for Quality in Health (MSQH) for its commitment to patient safety and service quality.