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Leukemia (Blood Cancer)

Types and treatment of leukemia, a cancer of blood and bone marrow cells.

Written by: Saygı Hospital Health Guide Editorial Board
Published:

This content is for general information; please consult your physician for diagnosis and treatment.

References (5)

This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. You can book an appointment at our Hematoloji department. Book Appointment →

What is Leukemia (Blood Cancer)?

Leukemia is a malignant transformation of blood-forming cells in the bone marrow. There are four main types: acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), acute myeloid leukemia (AML), chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), and chronic myeloid leukemia (CML). Acute types progress rapidly and require urgent treatment, whereas chronic types tend to advance more slowly.

In leukemia, the bone marrow becomes filled with abnormal leukemic cells, suppressing normal blood-cell production. The result is a lack of red blood cells (anemia), low platelets (bleeding risk), and reduced mature white cells (susceptibility to infection).

In CML, tyrosine kinase inhibitors such as imatinib targeting the BCR-ABL fusion oncogene (the Philadelphia chromosome) have brought a transformative success. ALL is treated with intensive combination chemotherapy, central nervous system prophylaxis, and targeted agents. Allogeneic stem cell transplantation offers curative potential for suitable patients.

Symptoms

Fatigue, pallor, and shortness of breath (anemia)
Frequent infections and prolonged fever
Easy bruising and difficulty stopping bleeding
Bone and joint pain
Abdominal swelling from spleen and liver enlargement
Lymph node enlargement
Night sweats and weight loss

Risk Factors

Exposure to ionizing radiation
Exposure to benzene and other chemical carcinogens
Down syndrome and other chromosomal abnormalities
Prior chemotherapy (especially alkylating agents)
Family history of leukemia
Smoking (for AML)
History of myelodysplastic syndrome or myeloproliferative disease

When to See a Doctor?

If you experience any of the following symptoms, seek medical attention promptly:

  • Unexplained severe fatigue, pallor, and shortness of breath
  • Large bruises from minor trauma or spontaneous bleeding
  • Frequent or prolonged infections
  • Bone pain accompanied by general decline
  • Abnormal leukocyte values on blood count — request hematology assessment

Treatment Methods

01
Intensive combination chemotherapy: induction, consolidation, and maintenance phases
02
Tyrosine kinase inhibitors: imatinib, dasatinib, nilotinib (for CML and Ph+ ALL)
03
Allogeneic stem cell transplantation: curative option in suitable patients
04
CAR-T cell therapy: for relapsed/refractory ALL (tisagenlecleucel)
05
Venetoclax + azacitidine: for older or chemo-ineligible AML
06
Supportive care: transfusion, antibiotics, growth factors

Which Department to Visit?

You can visit our Hematoloji department for these complaints. Our specialist physicians will create the most suitable treatment plan for you.

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Health Disclaimer: The information on this page is prepared for general informational purposes only. It does not replace medical diagnosis and treatment. Please consult your physician for your complaints. Saygı Hospital does not accept responsibility for actions taken based on the information on this page.