Contents
In line with its mission, the Editorial Board of MedTvoiLokony makes every effort to provide reliable medical content supported by the latest scientific knowledge. The additional flag “Checked Content” indicates that the article has been reviewed by or written directly by a physician. This two-step verification: a medical journalist and a doctor allows us to provide the highest quality content in line with current medical knowledge.
Our commitment in this area has been appreciated, among others, by by the Association of Journalists for Health, which awarded the Editorial Board of MedTvoiLokony with the honorary title of the Great Educator.
Lymphocytic leukemia is a cancer with a very poor prognosis. The patient’s life expectancy depends largely on his overall health and how his body will respond to the treatment. The only chance for a cure is bone marrow transplantation. However, it is not a guarantee of cure.
Lymphocytic leukemia is a very dangerous cancer. It is characterized by the sowing of cancerous cells from the marrow into the blood. This causes the number of leukocytes to increase, as can be seen in the morphology. Depending on the course, lymphocytic leukemia is divided into acute and chronic. In the case of a chronic disease, its course is much milder.
Lymphocytic leukemia – causes
The cause of lymphocytic leukemia is damage to the DNA in the marrow cell. Although it has no genetic basis, there is a certain risk of pregnancy over the relatives of the patient in a straight line. The disease usually affects the elderly, mainly men over 50.
In people over 50, 90% of cases are diagnosed with chronic lymphocytic leukemia. The disease does not depend on environmental factors.
Lymphocytic leukemia – types
Lymphocytic leukemia is classified into 4 types:
- B-cell lymphocytic leukemia (B-CLL) – it is the most frequently diagnosed form of cancer in people over 60 years of age;
- proliphocytic leukemia;
- hairy cell leukemia;
- granular lymphocyte leukemia – this is one of the most dangerous forms of leukemia. It is very difficult for doctors to predict its course. If the mild form develops, it may spontaneously enter a period of remission, while the aggressive form of the disease may lead to death within less than a year of diagnosis.
Lymphocytic leukemia is usually mild. Its most dangerous form is acute lymphocytic leukemia, which is very aggressive and resistant to treatment.
Lymphocytic leukemia – symptoms
Lymphocytic leukemia may initially resemble an ordinary infection. However, despite the treatment, her symptoms persist. The first symptoms of lymphocytic leukemia are weakness and a fever. This state may last for several years. Later, the disease enters the aggressive phase.
Occasionally, lymphocytic leukemia causes a rapid weight loss. An accompanying symptom is fatigue during normal daily activities. The gradually enlarging spleen causes a feeling of pressure. Most patients experience enlargement of the lymph nodes.
Lymphocytic leukemia – diagnosis
Lymphocytic leukemia is easy to diagnose. The basic research is morphology. Abnormal morphology results are the first sign that should prompt further diagnosis.
The development of lymphocytic leukemia is evidenced by elevated levels of leukocytes, thrombocytopenia and anemia. When the doctor sees these results, the patient is usually referred straight away to a hematology clinic or hematology unit for further testing.
Further diagnosis consists in cytogenetic and imaging tests. The severity of the disease is defined by the 5-grade Raia classification.
Lymphocytic leukemia – treatment
Lymphocytic leukemia is treated only in stage III and IV, when leukocytosis is developing and the spleen and nodes are significantly enlarged.
Treatment is by administering chemotherapy until symptoms have improved. Some patients are also eligible for a transplant from an unrelated bone marrow donor. Unfortunately, not every patient can be qualified for the procedure. It depends mainly on the general condition of the patient, the severity of the disease and prognosis.
Life expectancy is 6-7 years from diagnosis. In mild cases, this time can be extended up to 20 years. In the case of lymphocytic leukemia, even remission of the disease does not guarantee recovery and the absence of relapses. Complications, such as sepsis, are also very dangerous during the disease.
The content of the medTvoiLokony website is intended to improve, not replace, the contact between the Website User and their doctor. The website is intended for informational and educational purposes only. Before following the specialist knowledge, in particular medical advice, contained on our Website, you must consult a doctor. The Administrator does not bear any consequences resulting from the use of information contained on the Website.