Question 1

what are the tests for chronic leukemia?

Accepted Answer

Blood work etc: You would need at least- blood work.  Imaging scan for abdomen would be needed  in certain chronic leukemia ( cml) to evaluate spleen or if there is other indication ( such as presence of abdominal pain etc); a bone marrow biopsy will be needed in certain case of chronic leukemia. Please discuss further in detail with your hematologist/ oncologist.  Read more at www.Cancer.Net ; www.Lls.Org.

Question 2

what's the etiology of chronic leukemia?

Accepted Answer

Usually sporadic: CML is associated with a known genetic abnormality (t(9;22) - otherwise known as the philadelphia chromosome). It is not known what in the environment  'causes' this.
Chronic lymphocytic leukemia has different common genetic changes, the causes of which also are not known. Rarely though, cll seems to run in families.  This has led to significant research into what genetic drivers may be found.

Question 3

what are the symptoms of chronic leukemia?

Accepted Answer

50% are asymptomatic: About half of patients with chronic leukemia have no symptoms and are discovered on a routine CBC (complete blood count) usually obtained for some other reason. When symptoms do occur, they may include fatigue or tiredness, swollen glands or lymph nodes, low grade fever or sweats that are persistent. More advanced symptoms can include, bleeding, bruising, anemia, enlarging belly or an infection.

Question 4

what does having adult chronic leukemia mean?

Accepted Answer

Chonic leukemia: Chronic leukemia in general can be divided in to chronic lymphocyic leukemia (cll)  or chronic myelogenous leukemia (cml).. Boh are usually in adult. Median age a diagnosis in CML is 50 yrs; and in cll is  70 yrs. Cll accounts for 30% leukemia case -which is the most common leukemia in western countries. CML accounts for 15-20% cases. Most common presentation for both are abnormal blood test.

Question 5

what are the chances of  beating chronic leukemia?

Accepted Answer

Chronic leukemia: 2 big groups of chronic leukemia are- chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) and chronic lymphocytic leukemia (cll). The chance of beating CML is very good as the response to daily tyrosine kinase inhibitor therapy is amazing and the remission rate is high. In cll, however, therapy usually wont be needed on diagnosis if there is no indication.Also, many times people die of something else and not due to cll.

Question 6

what are differences between acute and chronic leukemia?

Accepted Answer

Various : Acute leukemia can lead to symptoms (bleeding, fever, infection, weakness) very quickly and requires treatment soon to avoid serious consequences including death. Chronic leukemias are more indolent may take awhile before causing symptoms often diagnose incidentally on a blood count. Treatment depends on the kind of leukemia: myeloid-treated soon to avoid becoming acute; lymphoid-could be watched.

Question 7

what is the difference between acute and chronic leukemia?

Accepted Answer

Everything: Acute leukemia is presented with the presence of significant level of a very immature blood cells in the circulation and increase level in the bone marrow. It is a very agressive and life threatening. Without treatment people die within weeks and few months only. Chronic leukemia- is progressing slower than acute leukemia. Chronic leukemia can transform into acute leukemia sometimes.

Question 8

my brother has adult chronic leukemia. what should i tell him?

Accepted Answer

Treatable: The typical chronic leukemias are CML or cll. Nowadays CML has become a chronic disease for most adults and most patients are expected to do very well with oral meds alone. Many cll patients are just observed in the beginning. There are many effective treatment options available too.

Question 9

is it likely to survive a late relapse of chronic leukemia at 33?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely. : It depends on the type of leukemia (ALL/AML) and the reasons for relapse. Positive attitude, trust, and family support will be helpful. I am not an oncologist but I have seen close friends and family go through cancer treatment with good success.

Question 10

what are the major presenting symptoms associated with chronic leukemia?

Accepted Answer

Varies: Majority cases are asymptomatic and the evaluation is started due to abnormal blood work. When the leukemia is more advanced - patient can become symptomatic-and can be presented with-anemia, low platelet level- bleeding, increase white blood counts, recurrent infections, fatigue/decrease energy level, fever/chils/night sweats, increase abdominal girth etc. Read more : www.Cancer.Net / www.Lls.Org.

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Cause of chronic leukemia

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What are the tests for chronic leukemia?

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What does having adult chronic leukemia mean?

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What are the chances of beating chronic leukemia?

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What are differences between acute and chronic leukemia?

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What is the difference between acute and chronic leukemia?

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My brother has adult chronic leukemia. what should i tell him?

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Is it likely to survive a late relapse of chronic leukemia at 33?

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What are the major presenting symptoms associated with chronic leukemia?

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