Lymphocytic leukemia - causes and signs of lymphocytic leukemia

Types of lymphocytic leukemia

There are two main types of this disease:

• acute or lymphoblastic lymphocytic leukemia is a heterogeneous group of malignant neoplasms of lymphoblast cells. This type of disease has certain immunophenotypic and genetic characteristics. It most often develops in children of preschool age;
• chronic or lymphocytic lymphocytic leukemia is a malignant tumor of the white blood system (leukocytes).

Classification of acute lymphocytic leukemia:

• acute lymphoblastic leukemia - the disease develops mainly in children. The formation of pathological leukocytes occurs in the bone marrow or lymph nodes;
• acute granulocytic leukemia - the disease develops in adults. The lesion affects leukocytes only in the bone marrow.

Classification of forms of chronic lymphocytic leukemia:

• benign - slow increase in the size of the spleen and lymph nodes. Life expectancy up to 40 years;
• classical - more rapid increase in lymph nodes and lymphoid organs. Life expectancy up to 8 years;
• tumor - characterized by enlarged lymph nodes;
• splenomegaly - characterized by enlarged spleen;
• bone marrow - bone marrow damage;
• chronic lymphocytic leukemia, which is complicated by cytolytic syndrome - massive cell death, leading to poisoning of the body;
• chronic lymphocytic leukemia, which occurs with paraproteinemia - the production of proteins by the tumor, which are normally absent;
• hairy cell leukemia - tumor cells have growths (villi);
• T-form - progresses rapidly and has an unfavorable outcome. It is found in Japan.

Phases of chronic lymphocytic leukemia:

• A – an increase in the level of lymphocytes in the blood without signs of anemia. There is no enlargement of the lymph nodes;
• B – signs of phase A, but an enlargement of the lymph nodes of several groups is observed;
• C – an enlargement of the nodes against the background of thrombocytopenia or anemia.

Stages of chronic lymphocytic leukemia:

• initial stage – characterized by a slight increase in the number of leukocytes. An enlargement of the spleen is possible;
• advanced stage – the main signs of the disease appear;
• terminal stage – characterized by anemia, thrombocytopenia and various complications such as bleeding, infectious complications. The development of a second tumor is possible.

Causes

The causes of lymphocytic leukemia depend on its type.

The causes of acute lymphocytic leukemia are not exactly known. Factors that lead to the development of this type of disease:

• genetic disorders;
• diseases of the immune system;
• the influence of high doses of radiation;
• the influence of chemicals that can suppress bone marrow bleeding.

The causes of chronic lymphocytic leukemia are not reliably known. Factors that lead to the development of this type of disease:

• heredity;
• viruses;
• X-ray and radiation exposure;
• chemicals (paints, varnishes);
• taking medications;
• intestinal infections;
• frequent stress.

Symptoms

Symptoms of the disease depend on its type.

Symptoms of acute lymphocytic leukemia:

• normochromic anemia;
• thrombocytonemia;
• leukopenia and leukocytosis (there are rarely);
• general malaise;
• weakness;
• decreased appetite;
• weight loss;
• increased body temperature;
• pale skin;
• cough;
• shortness of breath;
• nausea;
• abdominal pain;
• headache;
• general intoxication;
• pain in the limbs and spine;
• increased irritability;
• enlarged peripheral lymph nodes;
• hemorrhagic syndrome;
• possible development neuroleukemia;
• testicular infiltration (rare).

Chronic lymphocytic leukemia develops more slowly than the acute form. It is characterized by the accumulation of pathological tumor lymphocytes in the peripheral blood. The life expectancy of patients depends on the degree of bone marrow damage, as well as the extent of the spread of the malignant neoplasm.

Symptoms of chronic lymphocytic leukemia:

• enlarged lymph nodes of several groups;
• hematopoiesis disorders (in the late stages of the disease);
• anemia and thrombocytonemia;
• general weakness;
• feeling of heaviness in the abdomen;
• sharp weight loss;
• excessive sweating;
• enlarged liver.

Diagnostics

When the first signs of the disease appear, you must make an appointment with an immunologist or lymphologist. A doctor's consultation and initial examination will help to make the correct diagnosis. Laboratory tests that will confirm the diagnosis:

• extended blood test;
• cytogenetic analysis;
• determination of immunoglobulin levels;
• bone marrow biopsy;
• lymph node biopsy.

Additional consultation with a therapist and hematologist is possible.

Treatment

Treatment of lymphocytic leukemia includes:

• taking medications;
• chemotherapy;
• immunotherapy;
• radiation therapy;
• platelet transfusion masses;
• bone marrow transplantation.

Prevention

Prevention of lymphocytic leukemia:

• compliance with safety regulations at work;
• timely treatment of diseases;
• immune support;
• regular examinations by specialists.