Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia
Chronic Leukemia | Cancer Care
Chronic leukemia is a serious disease that can be life-threatening. Chronic leukemia affects people of all ages and backgrounds. It is, then, important for everyone to learn as much as possible about the condition.
Early diagnosis and treatment are key factors in increasing survival rates for chronic leukemia patients. Of course, once a diagnosis is made it is essential to receive the right care and treatment from a proven and experienced specialist.
Dr. Saleha Sajid helps individuals with a cancer diagnosis access clinical trials and treatments tailored to their needs. She provides individualized care that is both compassionate and professional, helping patients make informed decisions as to what the best available treatment is for them.
What Is Chronic Leukemia?
Chronic leukemia is a form of cancer that affects the blood and bone marrow. It results from the development of abnormal white blood cells that can crowd out healthy blood cells over time. Roughly 29,670 Americans are diagnosed with some form of chronic leukemia each year. The numbers can vary year over year, but these figures represent recent annual estimates.
There are two main types:
Chronic myeloid leukemia (CML)
This type of leukemia starts with the myeloid cells, which normally develop into red blood cells, other types of white blood cells, and platelets. It is relatively uncommon, with only about 8,950 new cases per year in the United States.
Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL)
This more common type develops from lymphocytes, a different type of white blood cell normally involved in immune responses. About 20,720 people in the United States are estimated to be diagnosed with CLL per year, making it the most common form of leukemia diagnosed in adults.
The risk factors for developing chronic leukemia can vary slightly depending on the type, but some common risk factors include:
Age
The risk increases as you get older. Most people diagnosed are over the age of 55.
Gender
Men are more likely to develop chronic leukemia than women.
Exposure to certain chemicals
Long-term exposure to elevated levels of benzene or radiation can increase risk.
Smoking
Smoking cigarettes long-term increases risk, especially for acute myeloid leukemia (AML).
Genetic disorders
Inherited conditions like Down syndrome, Ataxia telangiectasia, Fanconi anemia, and Bloom syndrome carry higher risk.
Prior cancer treatment
Chemotherapy and radiation exposure from previous cancer treatments may increase risks later.
Family history
Having close relatives who developed leukemia or other blood cancers can signify increased risk.
In summary, the elderly, men, smokers, those exposed to chemicals/radiation, people with certain genetic conditions, those with a family history of blood cancers, and those previously treated with chemotherapy or radiation have heightened risks for chronic leukemias. It is always prudent to maintain an awareness of these risk factors as it may well help those more vulnerable take preventative health measures early and lower their risk.
What Are The Symptoms of Chronic Leukemia?
To catch chronic leukemia early and get the treatment you need as rapidly as possible it is vital to be aware of the signs and symptoms.
Common signs and symptoms of chronic leukemia include:
Fatigue : Excessive tiredness, weakness, dizziness, and shortness of breath with little activity are common early symptoms. This results in anemia as the bone marrow produces fewer healthy red blood cells.
Weight Loss and Fever : Many people experience a loss of appetite, unexplained weight loss, and low-grade fevers in the initial stages.
Bone pain : With the bone marrow crowded by high numbers of abnormal white blood cells, bone pain can sometimes emerge, especially in the legs, hips and shoulders.
Bruising Easily : Easy bruising and excessive bleeding from small cuts are frequent issues due to reductions in healthy blood platelets and clotting factors.
Swollen Lymph Nodes : Lymphatic tissue may start to swell throughout the body as excess white blood cells accumulate. This shows up as lumps under the armpits, groin and neck.
Frequent Infections : With the immune system not functioning properly due to the imbalance of white blood cells, the body struggles to ward off infections. This leads to frequent colds, pneumonia and other illnesses.
If you experience any of these symptoms, see your doctor right away for further evaluation. Early detection is the key when it comes to treating chronic lymphocytic leukemia. Don't hesitate to seek medical attention if you have any concerns. Even if you are uncertain, it is still worth having a discussion with your doctor, as symptoms of chronic lymphocytic leukemia are not always easy to recognize and are easy to attribute to other diseases.
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Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia
Are There Treatments for Chronic Leukemia?
While chronic leukemia is a serious condition, it can be treated in many ways. Some common treatments include:
Targeted Drug Therapies : Many targeted cancer drugs have been developed recently that specifically attack the abnormal proteins causing uncontrolled growth in chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) and some forms of chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). These oral medications can dramatically improve prognosis.
Chemotherapy : Traditional cytotoxic chemotherapy may be used, often combined with newer targeted drugs. This is a common treatment approach for aggressive or advanced-stage chronic leukemia.
Radiation Therapy : Radiation aimed directly at affected lymph nodes and other organs may help control or relieve symptoms.
Immunotherapy : Drugs that boost the immune system's ability to identify and attack cancerous cells can be effective especially for CLL.
Bone Marrow/Stem Cell Transplant : In some cases, high dose chemotherapy paired with an infusion of healthy stem cells from a matched donor may wipe out cancerous cells in the marrow.
Over the past couple of decades, doctors have made great advances in improving survivorship by combining these and emerging treatments to put chronic leukemia into deep remission while managing side effects. The course varies for each patient, but the outlook today is better than ever. Working with an experienced oncologist is, of course, key.
Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia
Chronic Leukemia Trials and Treatments
Dr. Sajid helps those diagnosed with Chronic leukemia access the best available treatments. She works to match patients with clinical trials and treatments tailored specifically to their needs.
From preventative screening to active cancer trials, provides a comprehensive suite of services for chronic leukemia patients. Through their partnership with Dr. Sajid, they are able to offer personalized care and access to cutting-edge treatments.
FAQ
Chronic Leukemia FAQ
What can I do to lower my risk of Chronic Leukemia?What is the prognosis for someone with Chronic Leukemia?
With newer targeted drugs like tyrosine kinase inhibitors, 5-year survival rates now exceed 90% for patients under 65 - a dramatic improvement over historical survival that used to be 30-40%.Where can I go for more information about Chronic Leukemia?What if I have more questions about Chronic Leukemia?Contact Dr. Sajid for more information about chronic leukemia and discuss your individual needs. She will provide personalized care and access to cutting-edge treatments.
Access Breakthrough Clinical Trials
with Dr. Saleha Sajid
As a leading practitioner in the Houston, Texas, area, Dr. Sajid specializes in offering access to the latest breakthrough clinical trials for chronic leukemia. With decades of experience and an extensive network of industry partnerships, she’s passionate about providing her patients with the best possible care.
Her unique partnerships allow her to work alongside top researchers and clinical trial teams to implement the latest treatments and cutting-edge medications. She understands how important it is for chronic leukemia patients to have access to these treatments - that’s why she’s dedicated herself to helping them find the right strategy for their particular needs.