Is blood cancer the same as leukemia?
May 27, 2022
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Li Man
Introduction
Leukemia (commonly known as “blood cancer”) is the most common malignant disease of the hematopoietic system; however, its exact pathogenesis remains incompletely understood. Clinical studies have shown that leukemia development is associated with physical, chemical, biological, and genetic factors. Following onset, leukemic cells proliferate in the bone marrow, thereby disrupting normal hematopoiesis.
An increasing number of people are falling into a sub-healthy state; consequently, the incidence of many diseases—including leukemia—is rising steadily. “Blood cancer” is a term with which most people are likely familiar. But is blood cancer the same as leukemia?
Is Blood Cancer the Same as Leukemia?
“Blood cancer” is a colloquial term for leukemia. Leukemia is the most common malignant disorder of the hematopoietic system; however, its exact pathogenesis remains incompletely understood. Clinical research has identified several contributing factors, including physical agents (e.g., ionizing radiation), chemical agents (e.g., benzene exposure), biological agents (e.g., certain viruses), and genetic predisposition. In leukemia, abnormal proliferation of leukemic cells in the bone marrow disrupts normal hematopoiesis, leading to a constellation of symptoms such as anemia, recurrent infections, and organ infiltration.
Infection is one of the major contributing causes of leukemia. A commonly implicated virus is the human T-cell leukemia virus type 1 (HTLV-1), a retrovirus. HTLV-1 infection may cause nausea, leukocytosis, and systemic damage, manifesting clinically as fever, anemia, bone pain, toothache, and pericardial effusion. Leukemia has a genetic component: offspring of leukemia patients face a significantly elevated risk of chromosomal abnormalities, which in turn increase susceptibility to disease. Therefore, individuals diagnosed with leukemia are generally advised against childbearing—not only to safeguard their own health but also to avoid potential lifelong health risks for their children.
Regarding diet, patients should avoid foods considered “heat-inducing” in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), such as beef, mutton, fish, and shellfish. They may also consult a TCM practitioner to determine whether tonifying therapies or treatments aimed at clearing heat and eliminating toxins are appropriate. We hope this information proves helpful.
