What is leukemia?

Generally, leukemia is a malignant clonal disease originating from hematopoietic stem cells and belongs to the category of blood system cancers. Detailed analysis is as follows:

Under normal circumstances, hematopoietic stem cells in the bone marrow differentiate into various functional blood cells, such as red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. However, due to genetic mutations, leukemia cells lose normal regulatory control and abnormally proliferate in the bone marrow and other hematopoietic tissues, suppressing normal hematopoietic function and infiltrating various tissues and organs throughout the body. Based on disease course and cell type, leukemia is primarily classified into acute leukemia and chronic leukemia. Common symptoms include anemia, bleeding, infection, and enlargement of the liver, spleen, and lymph nodes.

The exact causes of leukemia have not yet been fully elucidated. Currently, it is believed to result from the combined effects of genetic and environmental factors. At the genetic level, some chromosomal abnormalities or gene mutations increase the risk of developing leukemia. Regarding environmental factors, long-term exposure to ionizing radiation, chemical substances, or viral infections may induce malignant transformation of hematopoietic cells. Additionally, abnormal immune function may also contribute to leukemia development, as the body fails to promptly eliminate abnormally proliferating cells, leading to disease progression.

Diagnosis of leukemia relies on complete blood count (CBC), bone marrow aspiration and biopsy, and cytogenetic testing. CBC often reveals abnormal white blood cell counts, anemia, and thrombocytopenia. Bone marrow biopsy shows a proportion of leukemia cells exceeding the normal range, along with abnormal cellular morphology and immunophenotype. Treatment strategies vary depending on the type of leukemia. Acute leukemia is primarily treated with chemotherapy, with some patients requiring combined targeted therapy or hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. Chronic leukemias, such as chronic myeloid leukemia, can be controlled long-term with targeted drugs, while chronic lymphocytic leukemia is managed according to disease status, with options including chemotherapy, immunotherapy, or watchful waiting. Early diagnosis and standardized treatment can significantly improve prognosis, but patients in advanced stages may face life-threatening complications such as multi-organ failure, infection, or hemorrhage.

As a serious disease of the hematopoietic system, leukemia's complexity and potential harm warrant attention. If persistent fatigue, unexplained bleeding, or fever occur, timely medical evaluation is necessary to allow for early intervention.