Leukaemia can disrupt blood-cell production and weaken vital functions

Leukaemia is a cancer of the blood or bone marrow that develops when damage to the DNA of blood-forming cells causes uncontrolled growth, according to a health article. The abnormal cells, mainly involving white blood-cell development, multiply without normal regulation and fail to perform their assigned functions effectively. As they accumulate, they crowd out healthy white cells and later affect red blood cells and platelets.

The article says leukaemia is often seen in adults over 55 and children under 15. It can be classified according to the patient’s age, the blood-cell type involved and whether the disease is acute or chronic. In acute leukaemia, immature blood cells multiply rapidly in the bone marrow and bloodstream.

In chronic leukaemia, more mature cells are produced and the disease generally develops more slowly. Symptoms may include frequent bruising, nosebleeds, bleeding gums and wounds that heal slowly. Because abnormal growth affects white blood cells, infections may become more common.

A shortage of red blood cells can cause anaemia, weakness, breathlessness, a rapid heartbeat, dizziness and pale skin. Weight loss, bone pain and body aches may also occur. The article lists possible risk factors including exposure to benzene in petrol, second-hand smoke, previous radiation, some viral infections, pesticides, male sex and inherited conditions such as Down syndrome.

Diagnosis may involve a full blood count, microscopic examination of a blood film and bone-marrow aspiration. Identifying the specific type is important in choosing treatment. Options may include chemotherapy, radiotherapy, targeted drugs, immunotherapy and bone-marrow transplantation, although the article says newer therapies are concentrated in specialised centres and can be prohibitively expensive.