How is leukemia caused, and is it serious?
Disease description:
My friend has been diagnosed with leukemia. Could you please explain what causes leukemia and how serious it is?
Leukemia is a group of malignant clonal diseases of hematopoietic stem cells caused by multiple factors. Its exact cause has not yet been fully clarified, but it is generally associated with the following factors:
1. **Genetic factors**: Chromosomal abnormalities and hereditary factors are considered important risks for leukemia. For example, individuals with a family history have an increased risk of developing the disease.
2. **Environmental factors**: Prolonged exposure to certain chemical substances (such as benzene and its derivatives) and ionizing radiation (such as X-rays) may increase the risk of leukemia.
3. **Biological factors**: Certain viral infections are also considered to be associated with the development of leukemia.
The severity of leukemia is manifested as follows:
1. Suppression of normal hematopoietic function, leading to symptoms such as anemia, bleeding, and infection.
2. Rapid disease progression; if not treated promptly, it can be life-threatening.