AML
In acute myeloid leukemia, cancerous growth rapidly overpopulates normal blood cells. Pushing out both red blood cells and healthy white blood cells, the replacement, cancerous cells cause a variety of symptoms:
- iron deficiency or anemia (due to the reduced red blood cell count)
- lethargy or fatigue
- shortness of breath
- fever and inflammation
- infection
- bleeding
- bruising
Taken from: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Uew7JWYlO_k
(Note: the following series of videos are very nearly identical.
Only a brief section of each is dedicated to an explanation
specific to each leukemia type)
CML
Victims of CML most often won't know they have cancer until their doctors do a routine blood test and notice imbalances of blood composition. Symptoms are basically the same as AML, but have a longer activation period.
ALL
ALL's course of action differs slightly from the forms discussed thus far, as it alters the function of lymphocytes. It can be deadly within weeks if not treated, and is the most common form found in children. Similar to AML, cancer cells dominate the blood composition. Platelets, which are responsible for clot clotting and scabbing when the skin is cut, are particularly in danger. Common ailments in addition to those already listed in AML include:
- swelling of lymph nodes
- weight loss and/or loss of appetite
- bone/joint pain (caused by the spread of "blast" cells"
- Petechia (small red dots or lines due to lack of platelets)
CLL
Chronic lymphocytic leukemia is the most common type, and works similarly to ALL, except slower. Unlike the other three forms, it can take years before treatment is necessary. It very rarely victimizes children.
Symptoms are fairly similar across all four types of leukemia, however every individual case may prove slightly different. Cancer of this kind can metastasize; that is spread from the blood to other parts of the body. Detection for acute forms is almost immediate, because patients experiencing symptoms generally seek medical attention. Blood tests and biopsies can be indicative of cancer but the only sure way to identify its presence is through an analysis of bone marrow composition. This can be accomplished by using a large needle to push through the hard, outer surface of the bone and into the spongy core to extract a bone marrow sample.
Note: there are many other types of leukemia that not discussed here. These are simply the broadest and most common.
A nice summary:
Despite the many terrible effects of leukemia, there are treatments, and in some cases even complete cures.
