Leukemia

A type of cancer in which the body produces large numbers of abnormal blood cells. There are several types of leukemia, grouped as acute or chronic. The most common leukemias are acute lymphocytic, acute myelocytic, chronic lymphocytic, and chronic myelocytic. Common signs and symptoms of leukemia include fatigue, fever, abnormal paleness, weight loss, shortness of breath, easy bruising, bleeding, repeated infections, bone pain and abdominal pain. Diagnostic tests and exams include laboratory tests, bone marrow tests, spinal tap and chest X-Rays. Treatment depends on the type of leukemia, extent of the disease and features of the leukemic cells. Options include drug therapies, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, bone marrow transplantation, biological therapy, and surgical procedures. Alternative medicines, such as homeopathy and acupuncture, are also commonly used against leukemia.