Leukemia

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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...