Diseases
leukemia
For healthcare professionals — reference only. This page is a brief summary, not medical advice and not a substitute for official labeling or clinical judgement. Always verify before prescribing or dispensing.
Overview
Leukemia is a broad term for cancers of the blood cells. The type of leukemia depends on the type of blood cell that becomes cancer and whether it grows quickly or slowly. Leukemia occurs most often in adults older than 55, but it is also the most common cancer in children younger than 15.
Symptoms
- fever or chills
- frequent or severe infections
- persistent fatigue, weakness
- losing weight without trying
- swollen lymph nodes, enlarged liver or spleen
Causes
- scientists don't understand the exact causes of leukemia. it seems to develop from a combination of genetic and environmental factors.
Risk factors
- previous cancer treatment.
- genetic disorders.
- exposure to certain chemicals.
Diagnosis
- blood tests.
- physical exam.
- bone marrow test.
Medicines used
Frequently asked questions
What is leukemia?
Leukemia is a broad term for cancers of the blood cells. The type of leukemia depends on the type of blood cell that becomes cancer and whether it grows quickly or slowly. Leukemia occurs most often in adults older than 55, but it is also the most common cancer in children younger than 15.
What are the symptoms of leukemia?
fever or chills, frequent or severe infections, persistent fatigue, weakness, losing weight without trying, swollen lymph nodes, enlarged liver or spleen
What causes leukemia?
scientists don't understand the exact causes of leukemia. it seems to develop from a combination of genetic and environmental factors.
Which medicines are used for leukemia?
azacitidine, bendamustine, busulfan, cytarabine, dasatinib, daunorubicin, fludarabine, hydroxyurea, ibrutinib, idarubicin, imatinib, mitoxantrone, nilotinib, obinutuzumab, thioguanine, tretinoin, vincristine
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