Leukemia

Leukemia

Among the public, leukemia is known as a blood cancer. The disease occurs in the bone marrow and correspondingly it starts to make abnormal white blood cells.

Types of leukemia are grouped by the type of cell affected and by the rate of cell growth.

Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL) is most prevalent during childhood and early adulthood, but it also is found in adults.

Acute Myeloid (or myelogenous) leukemia (AML) occurs more often in adults.

Myelodysplastic Syndrome (MDS) is a condition in which the bone marrow does not produce enough normal blood cells.

Myeloproliferative Disorder (MPD) is a condition in which the bone marrow makes to many blood cells. Sometimes the disease progresses slowly and requires little treatment; other times it develops into acute myeloid leukemia (AML).

Chronic leukemia involves an overgrowth of mature blood cells. Usually, people with chronic leukemia have enough mature blood cells to prevent serious bleeding and infection. Chronic leukemia is found more often in people between ages 40 and 70.

What are the symptoms of leukemia?

Often, symptoms of leukemia do not show up in the early stages. If you do have symptoms, they may include:

• Weight loss
• Fever
• Having infections often
• Mouth sores
• Diarrhea
• Bloated lymph nodes
• Bone pain
• Easy bleeding

How is leukemia diagnosed? 

Early diagnosis plays an important role in the treatment of leukemia.

Diagnostic tests for leukemia are blood investigations and bone marrow biopsy. Also MRI, CT scan and ultrasonography may be performed to detect the damages of leukemia.

What are the treatment options for leukemia?

There are different options for Leukemia treatment. Treatment options determined by several factors such as type and stage of leukemia and age of patient.

The common treatments used for leukemia may include:

• Bone marrow transplantation
• Radiotherapy
• Chemotherapy
• Biological treatments

Why choose Turkey for leukemia treatment?

Medical centers in Turkey work with highly experienced physicians dedicated to leukemia treatment. Using a comprehensive team approach, they provide customized care that includes the most advanced diagnostic methods and treatments.

Our partner hospitals for leukemia treatment in Turkey are certified by independent international organizations such as JCI (Joint Commission International) or ISO (International Organization for Standardization) and they are all university hospitals.

Since leukemia treatment requires urgency, we suggest you to start your treatment as soon as possible.