Early Detection of Blood Cancers
25 March 2023
Leukaemia is a type of blood cancer that affects the white blood cells. It mainly occurs because of DNA damage that causes cancer cells to form. Leukaemia is classified according to the speed of its progression and the type of white blood cells that are affected. Lymphatic or bone marrow disease that develops rapidly is known as acute leukaemia, while chronic leukaemia refers to a slow progression of the disease.
There are four types of leukaemia, namely Acute Lymphocytic Leukaemia (ALL), Acute Myelogenous Leukaemia (AML), Chronic Lymphocytic Leukaemia (CLL) and Chronic Myeloid Leukaemia (CLL). CLL) and Chronic Myelogenous Leukaemia (CML).
As we age, our bone marrow becomes genetically unstable over time, increasing the risk of cancer in older people. A majority of patients with leukaemia are over 45 years old.
Diagnosing Leukaemia
To obtain a more accurate diagnosis, a Haematologist like Dr Hon Siong Leng asks a series of questions to understand the symptoms and condition, in addition to blood tests.
Symptoms may include fever or chills, persistent fatigue and weakness, frequent or severe infections, unexplained weight loss, enlarged organs such as lymph nodes, pancreas, spleen, abnormal bleeding or bruising, recurrent nosebleeds, red spots on the skin, excessive sweating, especially at night, bone pain or pressure.
Unlike chronic diseases, leukaemia can be caused by bad habits such as smoking and alcohol consumption. However, to date, there is no medical literature and no conclusive data to determine the true cause of leukaemia.
There are external factors that can cause genetic damage, such as exposure to high levels of radiation, exposure to certain chemicals such as benzene, and exposure to viruses such as the human T-cell leukaemia virus. If the body is exposed to several of these conditions over a long period, the risk of developing leukaemia is invariably increased.
Risk Factors
Another group of people who are at high risk of developing leukaemia are those who have been treated for cancer and who have received specific chemotherapy and radiotherapy, and those who are genetically unstable such as Down's syndrome, which is more common. If a family member has had acute leukaemia, the risk of developing the disease is higher than in healthy families.
“Unfortunately, it is impossible to prevent leukaemia. I cannot predict the exact survival rate as it depends on the individual genetic profile. We use the prognostic factor as an indicator, which can be scored as good prognosis, intermediate prognosis and bad prognosis. These indicators give us an idea of the response rate and the recovery rate. The recovery rate for leukaemia is between 60% and 70%, and the relapse rate is 20%.
“In addition, the likelihood of developing secondary cancers increases after cancer chemotherapy. As doctors, we keep an eye on the disease, so it is important that even patients who have recovered from leukaemia visit the hospital regularly for follow-ups,” Dr Hon shared.
Out of Sight, Out of Mind
Although leukaemia is not as obvious as having a tumour in the body, it can still be detected by looking at physical signs.
The first thing to look for is the colour of the face, such as pallor. Our bone marrow produces red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets, with the red blood cells being the main source of oxygen and a rosy complexion. For example, if you feel out of breath after just a short period of activity or walking, coupled with a pale complexion, then you need to pay more attention.
White blood cells are the body's immune system, and whether they are high or low, they are unhealthy, non-functional white blood cells, meaning that they have a weakened immune system and are therefore more susceptible to fever or bacterial infections.
Another area of concern is platelets. Platelets are very important to the body as they have the ability to stop bleeding. When the platelet count drops, abnormal bleeding occurs including red spots on the skin, bleeding gums and nosebleeds due to subcutaneous bleeding, and in severe cases, even bleeding from various parts of the body.
“Acute leukaemia occurs without warning and there is no way of knowing when it will break out. Some people who have had their tests done last week and have no physical problems do not expect to have acute leukaemia in just two weeks. However, the signs mentioned can more or less give us some indication,” Dr Hon said.
Source: Sin Chew
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