Leukémiákhoz

Leukémiákhoz refers to leukemias in Hungarian. Leukemia is a group of blood cancers that usually begin in the bone marrow and result in high numbers of abnormal white blood cells. These abnormal white blood cells are often not mature, are called blasts or leukemia cells, and do not function properly. As leukemia cells multiply, they crowd out normal blood cells in the bone marrow. This can lead to anemia (a lack of red blood cells), infection (a lack of normal white blood cells), and bleeding (a lack of platelets).

There are several main types of leukemia, broadly categorized by how quickly they progress (acute or chronic) and which type of white blood cell is affected (lymphoblastic or myeloid). Acute leukemias develop rapidly and require immediate treatment. Chronic leukemias develop more slowly and may not cause symptoms initially. Lymphoblastic leukemias affect lymphocytes, a type of white blood cell. Myeloid leukemias affect myeloid cells, which are cells that would normally develop into other types of blood cells, like red blood cells, platelets, and other types of white blood cells.

The exact cause of leukemia is often unknown, but risk factors can include exposure to certain chemicals, previous chemotherapy or radiation therapy, certain genetic disorders like Down syndrome, and certain viral infections. Symptoms can vary but may include fever, fatigue, easy bruising or bleeding, bone pain, and swollen lymph nodes. Diagnosis typically involves a physical examination, blood tests, and a bone marrow biopsy. Treatment options depend on the type and stage of leukemia and may include chemotherapy, radiation therapy, targeted therapy, immunotherapy, and stem cell transplantation.