Question 1

does alpha thalassemia causes leukemia?

Accepted Answer

No: There is no relationship between any form of thalasemia and leukemia.

Question 2

how are beta-thalassemia and leukemia related?

Accepted Answer

See below: They both can cause decreased red blood cells.

Question 3

can a thalassemia trait patient also have leukemia?

Accepted Answer

Thalassemia: Yes it is quite possible to have both conditions.

Question 4

i had leukaemia (all) 11 years ago and now have been diagnosed with alpha-thalassemia - are the two linked? i'm white british so not typical for this

Accepted Answer

No association: Although weird that they didn't note this before. I assume you have been diagnosed with alpha thalassemia trait, not the disease.

Question 5

what are the main causes of leukemia?

Accepted Answer

Random mutations...: occur in our body's cells because they are not able to correct all of the millions of DNA damage events that naturally occur during our life. In the event that a bone marrow progenitor cell gets hit with an unlucky series of mutations then a leukemic cell will be made, and grow out of control. Familial susceptibility, or exposures (e.g. chemotherapy, radiation, or benzene) may increase this risk.

Question 6

in what way can chemicals cause leukemia?

Accepted Answer

Yes, sometimes: There are some chemicals that are known to cause bone marrow damage leading to acute leukemia. Most of these are chemotherapy drugs of the alkylating agents-class. Some petrochemicals like benzene are also implicated in some cases. Radiation from excessive exposure like from atomic bombs, or nuclear accidents are also known to cause it.

Question 7

what are the causes of leukemia in children?

Accepted Answer

Unknown: Most leukemias in adults and children do not have a specific etiology. Some leukemias in children can be linked to genetic abnormalities like down's syndrome, neurofibromatosis, bloom syndrome, and others. Ethnicity may play a role in all, hispanic children tend to have higer risk. High birth weight has been associated with higher risk though really this is unclear. Other factors are inconsistent.

Question 8

i want to know what's the main cause of childhood leukemia?

Accepted Answer

Unknown: Just like most other cancers, the cause of leukemia is unknown.

Question 9

how severe are the possibilities of leukemia caused by radiation ?

Accepted Answer

Not a high: Risk if you are talking on a percentage of all patients receiving therapeutic radiation, but secondary acute myeloid leukemia does occur and late (many years later) chronic myeloid leukemia can be seen after radiation exposure.

Question 10

what external chemicals can cause leukemia and where are they found?

Accepted Answer

Benzene products: Benzene used in petrochemical industry is one know cancer causing agent. But most cases of leukemia come out of the blue, without any obvious or known cause.  It is more of an accident of nature. I doubt you will be able to lay a finger on the cause of your leukemia.

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Doctor answers about:

Thalassemia causes leukemia

A member asked:

Does alpha thalassemia causes leukemia?

A member asked:

How are beta-thalassemia and leukemia related?

A member asked:

Can a thalassemia trait patient also have leukemia?

A member asked:

I had leukaemia (all) 11 years ago and now have been diagnosed with alpha-thalassemia - are the two linked? i'm white british so not typical for this

A member asked:

What are the main causes of leukemia?

A member asked:

In what way can chemicals cause leukemia?

A member asked:

What are the causes of leukemia in children?

A member asked:

I want to know what's the main cause of childhood leukemia?

A member asked:

How severe are the possibilities of leukemia caused by radiation ?

A member asked:

What external chemicals can cause leukemia and where are they found?

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