Leukemia - a cancer of blood-forming tissues of the body, including the bone marrow and lymphatic system. There are many types of leukemia. Some of them are the most common among children, others found mainly in adults. Usually it begins to develop leukemia in white blood cells - leukocytes. When leukemia bone marrow produces a large number of abnormal white blood cells that are not functioning properly. Treatment of leukemia can be very complicated, depending on the type of disease and other factors.

Symptoms

The symptoms of leukemia depend on its type. Its common symptoms:

• Fever or chills;
• Constant fatigue, weakness;
• Frequent infections;
• Unexplained weight loss;
• Inflammation of the lymph nodes, enlarged liver and spleen;
• Frequent bleeding and bruising;
• The appearance of small red spots on the skin (petechiae);
• Excessive sweating, especially at night;
• Pain in the bones.

When to see a doctor

Should undergo a medical examination with the appearance of any symptoms you are disturbing.

The symptoms of leukemia are often nonspecific and mild. Many patients ignore or simply do not notice its early symptoms, so many experts recommend every two or three years to pass a complete examination, even those who feel generally healthy.

Causes

Scientists still do not fully understand why some people develop leukemia. It is most likely that the development of the disease plays a role of a combination of genetic and environmental factors.

How is leukemia

In general, leukemia begins to develop when the DNA of certain cells in the blood appear mutation. These mutations cause the cells to grow and reproduce faster and live longer than normal blood cells. Over time, these abnormal cells begin to displace healthy red blood cells, causing symptoms and signs of leukemia.

Classification of leukemia

Physicians leukemia are classified based on the speed of its development, and cell types that it affects.

According to a first classification type, there are two types of leukemia, depending on how fast it develops:

• Acute leukemia. In acute leukemia, the abnormal blood cells are immature, can not perform its function, multiply rapidly, and the disease progresses rapidly. Acute leukemia requires aggressive, timely treatment.
• Chronic leukemia. This type of leukemia affects more mature blood cells. These blood cells may be replicated more slowly and over a period of time to function normally. Some forms of chronic leukemia in the initial stages of the disease do not cause any symptoms and diagnosed when the disease is developing for several years.

The second type of classification - types of white blood cells that affects leukemia:

• Lymphoblastic leukemia. This type of leukemia affects the cells forming the lymph tissue.
• Myeloid leukemia affects the myeloid cells. Myeloid cells are involved in the creation of erythrocytes, leukocytes, and platelets Platelets - what they are for the body? .

Types of leukemia

The main types of leukemia:

• Acute lymphoblastic leukemia - the most common type of leukemia in children Leukemia in children - there is hope!   younger. They are also found in adults, but much less frequently.
• Acute myeloid leukemia - a common type of leukemia occurs with approximately equal frequency in children and adults.
• Chronic lymphocytic leukemia most commonly diagnosed in adults, is very rare in children; disease can be asymptomatic for several years.
• Chronic myeloid leukemia occurs mainly in adults. In a patient with this type of leukemia symptoms may be absent for several months or years before the disease is not entering a phase when the leukemia cells begin to multiply very quickly.

There are other more rare forms of leukemia, such as hairy cell leukemia.

Risk factors

The following factors may increase the risk of developing certain types of leukemia:

• Cancer and cancer treatment Cancer Treatment - difficult, but necessary   history. People who were certain types of chemotherapy and radiotherapy Radiotherapy in cancer treatment: irradiation aid They are at risk of developing certain types of leukemia.
• Genetic diseases. Genetic disorders appear to play a role in the development of leukemia. Some genetic diseases such as Down syndrome, are associated with an increased risk of leukemia.
• Some blood disorders. People who have been diagnosed with certain blood disorders such as myelodysplastic syndrome, may be greater risk of developing leukemia.

Hemoglobin - is the main component of red blood cells or red blood cells. This protein is a carrier of oxygen and carbon dioxide in the body. The hemoglobin content is determined in the course of the complete blood count Blood tests: a mirror of health Which takes place either in the regular study of blood parameters, or to identify the disease in a patient. The hemoglobin level or rises in excess of erythrocytes or decrease in blood volume.

Average hemoglobin content in the blood

Normal hemoglobin is typically 14-18 g / dL for males and 12-16 g / dl in women. In pregnant women, this figure should not be less than 11 g / dL. A critical indicator of the level of hemoglobin is less than 6 g / dL and 20 g / dl. Reference values ​​may differ slightly from each other in different laboratories.

How to measure hemoglobin levels

There are several methods for measuring hemoglobin levels, and most of these tests are now being carried out using special equipment designed to perform a series of blood tests. In such devices blood cells are broken, and hemoglobin enters the special solution. Free hemoglobin reacts with certain chemicals containing cyanide. Cyanide forms a strong bond with a molecule of hemoglobin to form cyanmethemoglobin. To determine the amount of hemoglobin, the light passed through the solution and measure the amount of light has been absorbed at the same time.

The function of hemoglobin

Hemoglobin carries oxygen and carbon dioxide, so its concentration determines the ability of the blood to transport oxygen. Elevated hemoglobin can act as a compensator in the presence of diseases, which are characterized by a decrease in oxygen consumption.

Symptoms of high levels of hemoglobin

• Dizziness
• Violation of cognitive activity
• Confusion
• Bluish visible mucous membranes, especially the lips and fingertips
• Swelling
• Sudden numbness
• Temporary loss of hearing and vision

Sometimes raising the level of hemoglobin in the blood indicates metabolic disorders.

Increasing the number of red blood cells as a compensatory mechanism

The body can enhance the production of red blood cells to increase the amount of oxygen carried by the blood. As a result, it may develop congestive heart failure Heart failure - when the heart is unable to cope with the work , Chronic nonspecific lung diseases and other diseases that can cause lack of oxygen. Also, the cause may be external factors, for example, if the patient lives at high altitudes where the air contains less oxygen.

Eritrotsitemiya

Eritrotsitemiya - a disease in which the bone marrow produces an excessive amount of red blood cells. A blood test for patients with this disease show a high level of hemoglobin, increased hematocrit and, of course, increased red blood cell count. Symptoms of the disease - a reddening of the face, constant itching, shortness of breath, chest pain Chest pain is one symptom - a lot of diseases   and fatigue. This condition is potentially life threatening.

Erythropoietin and other drugs that increase the level of hemoglobin

Erythropoietin, a substance synthesized by the kidneys, bone marrow enhances the production of red blood cells. Erythropoietin can be used as a medicament, usually for neutralizing the side effects of chemotherapy Chemotherapy - it always falls the hair? . Sometimes, to improve athletic achievements were injected with the substance - so-called "blood doping." The increase of erythropoietin leads to increased levels of hemoglobin in the blood. In addition, hemoglobin levels may increase when taking drugs such as gentamicin and methyldopa.

Dehydration

The hemoglobin level - is the concentration of hemoglobin in the blood. Consequently, if the blood volume decreases, the hemoglobin content increases, even in cases where the number of red blood cells is not changed. Severe dehydration leads to a decrease in blood volume. Also, high level of hemoglobin is often observed in severe diarrhea or burns.

In addition, there are a number of other diseases and factors that lead to increased levels of hemoglobin:

• Emphysema
• Kidney cancer
• Liver cancer
• Other heart diseases
• Other lung diseases
• Smoking, which leads to a decrease in blood oxygen