Leukemia - Leukemia and Abnormal Bleeding

Leukemia
Posted: Jul 21st, 2008
ArticlesBase

Leukemia is cancer of the blood cells. It is characterized by the uncontrolled growth of developing bone marrow cells. It is not a single disease, but a group of malignancies in which the bone marrow and blood-forming organs produce excessive numbers of white blood cells. White blood cells develop from a type of cell in the bone marrow called a stem cell. When the process of white cell maturation goes awry, leukemia results. Immature white cells prevent the normal production of all blood cells, including white blood cells, which fight infection..

Signs and Symptoms

wo general categories of leukemia are acute and chronic. In acute leukemia, symptoms appear quickly and worsen quickly. This form of leukemia may develop over a short period of days to weeks. Abnormal white blood cells may collect in the brain or spinal cord. The result may be headaches, vomiting, confusion, loss of muscle control and difficulty seeing. Some patients develop sores in the eyes or unusual skin rashes.

Fatigue

Malaise (vague feeling of bodily discomfort)

Abnormal bleeding

Excessive bruising

Weakness

Reduced exercise tolerance

Weight loss

Bone or joint pain

Infection and fever

Copyright © 2005-2008 Free Articles by ArticlesBase.com