Logo
Book Now

Acute Leukemias

Acute Leukemias

Acute Leukemias are a group of fast-growing blood cancers that affect the white blood cells, which are crucial for fighting infections. In acute leukemia, immature white blood cells (called blasts) multiply uncontrollably in the bone marrow, crowding out healthy cells. This leads to a range of severe symptoms and requires urgent medical attention. Acute leukemia can affect both children and adults, and prompt diagnosis and treatment are critical for improving outcomes.

Types of Acute Leukemias

  • Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL): This type affects lymphoid cells, which are responsible for immune responses. ALL is more common in children but can also affect adults.
  • Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML): This form impacts myeloid cells, which develop into red blood cells, platelets, and some types of white blood cells. AML is more common in adults but can also occur in children.

Symptoms of Acute Leukemias

Symptoms of acute leukemias appear rapidly and can worsen quickly. Common signs include:

  • Fatigue and weakness
  • Frequent infections that are hard to control
  • Easy bruising or bleeding, such as frequent nosebleeds or gum bleeding
  • Pale skin
  • Bone pain or tenderness
  • Swollen lymph nodes or an enlarged liver or spleen
  • Unexplained weight loss

Since acute leukemia progresses rapidly, early detection is key to successful treatment.

Diagnosis of Acute Leukemias

Diagnosing acute leukemia involves several tests:

  • Blood tests to detect abnormal levels of blood cells.
  • Bone marrow biopsy to examine the types and number of blood cells in the bone marrow.
  • Genetic testing to look for specific changes in the cells that might guide treatment.

Treatment Options

Acute leukemia is an aggressive disease that requires prompt treatment, usually in the form of:

  • Chemotherapy: The primary treatment for acute leukemia. It uses powerful drugs to kill cancer cells in the blood and bone marrow.
  • Targeted therapy: Medications designed to target specific genetic changes in leukemia cells, helping to stop their growth.
  • Bone marrow transplant: This may be recommended for some patients after chemotherapy to replace diseased bone marrow with healthy cells.
  • Immunotherapy: Newer treatments that help the body’s immune system fight the cancer more effectively.

Dr. Karthik Rengaraj is a renowned Hematology Consultant with over a decade of experience, specializing in advanced treatment for blood disorders, committed to compassionate care and innovative research.

Facebook Icon-map-marker1 Instagram

Pages

Services

Contact Us

© Copyright 2025. Karthik Rengaraj. All Rights Reserved.

Powered By