Leukemia is caused by damage done to DNA in the cells of the bone marrow
The effects of leukemia is uncontrolled growth of cells that fail to function as normal blood cells, and as a result of immature cells there are fewer blood platelets which makes it hard for the blood to clot, fewer red blood cells results in anemia, and the immature white blood cells make it harder to fight off infections.
Acute- is a rapidly progressing disease that affects the undeveloped cells causing the immature cells to not be able to function properly
Chronic- progresses slowly and allows more cells to develop but these developed cells can only carry some of their functions
Multiple Myeloma is a cancer that affects the plasma cells of the immune system. Multiple Myeloma is a progressive blood disease. The immune system builds the bodies antibodies that help to fight infections.
Symptoms
Some symptoms would be anemia and problems with the kidneys. Anemia occurs when there is a low red blood count. Patients feeling anemic are extremely tired and feel worn out. Other symptoms would be bone pain, mostly felt in the back and ribs. Myeloma patients are often tired and fatigued.
Other symptoms would be neurological symptoms, such as weakness, and confusion. Headaches and visual changes are also some factors of neurological symptoms.
Because the immune system is being harmed the patient has trouble fighting off disease and infection.
Diagnosis
Each year about 5 or 6 new cases per 100,000 people are found in the United States. Often the diagnosis is made by accident during routine blood tests. Multiple Myeloma happens when there are large numbers of abnormal plasma cells in the bone marrow. Cells that are supposed to become cells for the immune system rise to the top of the bone marrow from stem cells. Some of the new stem cells develop into white blood cells known as lymphocytes, which there are two categories of, B cells and T cells. Plasma is supposed to develop from the B cells, when alien substances like bacteria enter the body. The plasma cells develop and produce immunoglobulins to each foreign substance, making numerous numbers in the body. The average age of diagnosis is 68, and only about 1% are diagnosed before the ago of 40. (Multiplemyeloma.org).
Treatment
Treatment for blood cancers often include chemotherapy, radiation, and stem cell research. There is currently no cure for Multiple Myeloma, but it is a treatable cancer. Scientists have come a long way in helping cancer patients to lead normal lives.
Side affects of treatment
Tired
Vomiting
Risk Factors
- Exposure to radiation
- Chemotherapy used to treat cancers
- Therapeutic radiation
- Tobacco smoke
SymptomsFeel a loss of well-being.
Tire easily and shortness of breath when doing normal activities
Black and blue marks or bruises
Prolonged bleeding from minor cuts
Mild fever, swollen gums,
Frequent minor infections such
Sores, slow healing of cuts
Side EffectsGet infections easier
Bruise and bleed easier
Feel weak and tired
Hair loss
Sores
Vomiting
Cancer is a disease or disorder in which certain parts of the body have uncontrolled cell division.
Cancer cells live much longer than normal cell. This causes them to divide and produce many more cancer cell than the normal cells produce.
Cancer cells develop from damaged DNA.
DNA mainly is damaged by exposure to something in the environment
Most cancers form as tumors
Some cancer does not form tumors. These types form in the blood.
Cancer can spread throughout the body.
Some causes of cancer are too much sun, smoking, drinking, and radiation.
In Allen County, Cancer is the 2nd leading cause of death. In 2005, 226 Allen County Residents died from cancer (1)
Cancer is the #2 killer for all Ohioans. Cancer will virtually have some impact in all or each of our lives one way or another. Two in five Ohioans will eventually have cancer.
Approximately 340,000 people in Ohio today are living with cancer and 159 Ohioans per day are diagnosed with cancer. (2)
