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Leukemia: chronic

Leukemia is cancer of the blood cells. This cancer causes the formation of large numbers of abnormal white cells. There are several types of leukemia that are grouped in two ways, acute or chronic. Chronic leukemia advances slowly. It usually occurs in middle-aged or older adults, but can occur in children (about 2 percent).

White blood cells defend the body against infection. Blood cells grow in the bone marrow and are supposed to be fully-grown when they enter the bloodstream. Leukemia causes white blood cells to lose their ability to fully mature. Immature cells take over the marrow. When this happens, the bone marrow cannot make enough of the other cells found in blood, like red blood cells, normal white blood cells, and platelets that the body needs.

Initial symptoms are vague. Usually the patient does not feel very well. Later, symptoms include:

• fatigue
• fever
• dizziness
• bruising or bleeding
• enlargement of the spleen
• swollen lymph nodes
• frequent infections and
• weight loss

Treatment usually involves intensive chemotherapy. The first phase of treatment is to kill as many of the leukemia cells as possible and put the patient into remission. Once in remission and there are no signs of leukemia, the second phase of treatment begins. This phase may last for several years. Less intense and less frequent chemotherapy is given during this time to kill any remaining leukemia cells.

Another treatment option is a bone marrow transplant. First, very high doses of chemotherapy wipe out the leukemia in the bone marrow. Then, new marrow is received from a compatible donor.

Consult the UI Health Care Cancer Information Service at 800-237-1225 or 319-356-3000 for more information about this topic.

Last Reviewed 2005

Disclaimer: This content is reviewed periodically and is subject to change as new health information becomes available. The information provided is intended to be informative and educational and is not a replacement for professional medical evaluation, advice, diagnosis or treatment by a healthcare professional.

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