Leukemia: Common Types, Symptoms & Treatment in Southern California

Leukemia is the general name for all types of cancer which affect the blood and the bone marrow. When a person's blood cells grow abnormally and out of control, the diagnosis is usually called leukemia. There are many forms of leukemia but the four most common forms are: Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML), Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL), Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL) and Chronic Myeloid Leukemia. These common blood and bone marrow cancers are named according to the type of cell affected.

Because of the wide ranging forms of leukemia, the numerous stages of cancer, and the varying maturation of cells involved, Dr. Shaye, Dr. Lashkari, and Dr. Ho will customize a rigorous course of treatment that will include regular updates about your progress, possible new treatment options and changes in the status of your disease.

Here's a look at the most common types of leukemia, the symptoms of each, and treatment solutions provided by Wellness Oncology & Hematology.

Acute Myeloid Leukemia

Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML) is a blood cancer. Symptoms of Acute Myeloid Leukemia (and all types of Leukemia) can be rather general, and can be caused by other illnesses and conditions. In particular, many symptoms are the same as the symptoms of anemia. These may include:

• Fatigue, weakness, dizziness, light-headedness
• Feeling cold, or having night sweats
• Weight loss/loss of appetite
• Headaches

Other symptoms of Acute Myeloid Leukemia may include:Unexplained bruising

• Recurring infections
• Fevers
• Nosebleeds
• Bleeding gums
• Bone and joint pain
• Difficulties with balance, blurred vision
• Vomiting or seizures
• Enlarged lymph nodes

Acute Myeloid Leukemia may be treated by the expert Oncologists and Hematologists at Wellness Oncology & Hematology in West Hills, CA using a combination of chemotherapy radiation, or in some cases, bone marrow transplants.

Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia

Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia is another type of blood cancer patients at Wellness Oncology & Hematology need help fighting. It begins in the white blood cells in the bone marrow, called lymphocytes, which are needed for healthy function of your immune system. This type of leukemia in adults can be very aggressive and treatment needs to begin immediately.

The symptoms of Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia mimic those of other types of leukemia including:

• Fatigue, weakness, dizziness, light-headedness
• Feeling cold, or having night sweats
• Weight loss/loss of appetite
• Headaches
• Unexplained bruising
• Recurring infections
• Fevers
• Nosebleeds
• Bleeding gums
• Bone and joint pain
• Difficulties with balance, blurred vision
• Vomiting or seizures
• Enlarged lymph nodes

Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia is often treated by the expert Oncologists and Hematologists at Wellness Oncology & Hematology in West Hills, CA with chemotherapy, targeted therapy, radiation therapy and in some cases a bone marrow transplant.

Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia

Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia is a blood cancer affecting the white blood cells. It is deemed chronic because it is slower to develop and progress than other types of leukemia. This is still a dangerous cancer, as the cells affected by Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia are necessary in helping to fight off infection. It is also the most prevalent type of leukemia found in adults.

Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia often presents no symptoms for a long time. When symptoms do arise they may include:

• Swollen lymph nodes
• Night sweats
• Fevers/infections
• Pain/ fullness of your stomach

Not all adults diagnosed with Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia will require treatment. However, those that do will likely be treated with chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and radiation.

Chronic Myeloid Leukemia

Chronic Myeloid Leukemia (CML) is not a common type of cancer of the blood cells, and it generally progresses slowly, hence the term "chronic." This type of leukemia is more prevalent in older adults than any other age group.

Symptoms of Chronic Myeloid Leukemia may include:

• Fatigue
• Unexplained weight loss and/or loss of appetite
• Night sweats
• Easy bleeding
• Pale Skin

Because it is a slow progressing disease, many people live with Chronic Myeloid Leukemia for months or even years before it is diagnosed. Dr. Shaye, Dr. Lashkari, and Dr. Ho will customize a rigorous course of treatment that usually includes targeted drugs and clinical trials.

If you've been diagnosed with leukemia or any other type of cancer or blood disease, please contact the expert Oncologists and Hematologists at Wellness Oncology & Hematology today.

In addition to our Medical Oncologists, our team includes Oncology Certified Nurses, who are available 5 days a week, as well as medical assistants and a complete support team specializing in patient advocacy.

In an effort to assure that your treatments and visits are as uncomplicated as possible, we have made our facilities a central location for your visits, infusions, injections and medications. Our office is also easily accessible for participation in our clinical trials.

Contact us today at 818.346.1773 to schedule an appointment.

Author

Dr. Omid Shaye