Some of Leukemia's Consequences on the Human Body

In leukaemia, aberrant white blood cells (WBCs) replace normal WBCs by growing and dividing excessively. This has far-reaching implications for the human body. Leukaemia is a malignancy that causes abnormal blood cells to form in the bone marrow. The disease can affect every type of blood cell, but WBCs, which help fight against infection and illness, are the most usually affected. This article discusses the different ways in which leukaemia can influence a person's body and daily life. We also go through what leukaemia is and the various varieties of it. Leukaemia causes the creation of abnormal blood cells, usually WBCs, to increase rapidly and significantly. The production of other types of blood cells, such as red blood cells and platelets, is hampered by an excess of aberrant blood cells in the bone marrow. Body aches and anaemia symptoms, as well as severe bruising and bleeding, might result from a deficiency of red blood cells or platelets [1].

When a person's bone marrow becomes overloaded due to cancer cell development, they may have bone discomfort. This pain is most commonly felt in the long bones of the legs and arms, as well as the ribs and sternum. A person may experience pain as a result of a mass of cancer cells developing near the spinal cord's nerves. Leukaemia can weaken bones to the point of causing fractures in rare cases. This is more common in bones that bear weight, such as the: pelvis or thighbone. WBCs are critical for the immune system's proper functioning. They are in charge of defending the body against infections and illnesses. WBCs are often affected by leukaemia, which causes the bone marrow to create aberrant WBCs that are unable to fight infections as effectively as they should. The immune system is weakened as a result, placing the body at danger of contracting serious diseases and illnesses [2].

Cancer cells can infiltrate blood vessels in leukaemia, creating problems such ischemic heart disease (also known as coronary artery disease) (CAD). When the heart doesn't get enough blood and oxygen, it's called a heart attack. Additionally, several leukaemia medicines may increase the risk of heart failure. The standard treatment for acute kinds of leukaemia is anthracyclines. These kinds of cancer spread quickly, necessitating more intensive treatment. The toxicity of anthracyclines is increased when high doses are given over a short period of time. Although rare, some types of leukaemia can impair the digestive tract. In roughly 5.7–13 percent of instances of chronic lymphocytic leukaemia, the digestive tract is affected. Richter's syndrome is what doctors call it. The stomach, ileum, and proximal colon can all develop leukemic lesions or injuries. Due to infection, haemorrhage, or inflammation of the intestinal tissues, these disorders can become exceedingly serious or even fatal. Leukaemia and its treatment can have a negative impact on a person's physical and mental well-being. Many people with leukaemia find that joining a support group can help them with practical or emotional issues. Friends and family can also provide support, which is an important component of improving a person's quality of life. Here are some suggestions for dealing with the difficulties that leukaemia might bring [3,4].

Low WBC numbers in people with leukaemia can make them more susceptible to infections. The following are some measures to reduce the risk of infection: Frequently washing and sanitising hands, avoiding sick people, and avoiding crowded locations. Doctors can give drugs to prevent or minimise some of the symptoms listed above, recommend self-management measures, or send patients to other doctors for treatment of symptoms and side effects [5].

References

1. Orgel, Etan, Nicole M. Mueske, Richard Sposto, and Vicente Gilsanz et al. "Limitations of body mass index to assess body composition due to sarcopenic obesity during leukemia therapy." Leuk lymph. 59(2018): 138- 145.
2. Scadden, David T. "The stem cell niche in health and leukemic disease." Best Pract Res Clin Haem. 20(2007): 19-27.
3. Li, Shufen, Li Chen, Wen Jin, and Xuefei Ma et al. "Influence of body mass index on incidence and prognosis of acute myeloid leukemia and acute promyelocytic leukemia: A meta-analysis." Sci Rep. 7(2017): 1-10.
4. Ginsberg, L.E., and N.E. Leeds. "Neuroradiology of leukemia." AJR. 165(1995): 525-534.
5. Campana, Dario, and Frederick G. Behm. "Immunophenotyping of leukemia." J Immunol Methods. 243(2000): 59-75