Leukemia Research Paper

Leukemia is a type of cancer that affects the white blood cells. The cancer starts in the bone marrow, the marrow begins to produce abnormal cells that do not function normally. These cells grow faster and do not stop growing when they should. The white blood cells are supposed to kill diseases and viruses in the blood, but when affected by the cancer, kill good blood cells and spread to lymph nodes. When the good blood cells died conditions such as anemia, infection, and bleeding occur along with swelling and pain of the lymph nodes.There are many types of leukemia some occur mostly in children, while others occur mostly in adults.

Symptoms or signs that a person should see a doctor are reoccurring fevers, night sweats, nosebleeds, unexplained weight loss, bone pain, and loss of appetite. Also, symptoms like bruising easily and red spots on the skin could be early signs of leukemia. The cause of leukemia is yet to be found, but people who have had previous cancer treatment, genetic disorders, excessive exposure to the chemical benzene, or a family history of leukemia are at a higher risk of getting it.

Blood tests can show abnormal numbers of white or red blood cells, but physical exams and bone marrow tests can also be used. A physical exam could show an enlarged liver or spleen, lymph node swelling , or anemia. Most of the time a doctor will take a blood test and if it comes back abnormally they would take a bone marrow from the person's hip bone and look for leukemia