Leukemia :: Cancer Research Health Essays

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 common as Leukemia in humans white blood cells. Today's treatment mostly includes chemotherapy and or bone marrow transplantation supportive care, where transfusions of blood components and prompt treatment of complicating infections, is very important. Ninety percent of children with Acute Lymphocyte Leukemia have received chemotherapy and fifty percent of theses children have been fully cured of Leukemia. Treatment of AML or Acute Myeolcytic Leukemia is not as successful but has been improving more and more throughout the 1990's. Scientists that study the cause of Leukemia have not had very much success lately. Very large doses of x-rays can increase the efficacy growth of Leukemia. Chemicals such as Benzene also may increase the risk of getting Leukemia. Scientists have tried experiments on Leukemia in Animals by transmitting RNA into the body of the Animal. Interpretation of these results in relation with human Leukemia is very cautious at this time. Studies have also suggested that family history, race, genetic factors, and geography may