Early detection of leukemia
warning sign
There are several types of leukemia, but their symptoms are similar. Often sufferers feel tired and beaten, which significantly reduces their performance. In addition, persistent fever, nocturnal sweats and unwanted weight loss can be added. Also, symptoms of anemia such as paleness, dizziness, palpitations and shortness of breath may indicate leukemia.
In addition to these disorders often tangible swelling of the lymph nodes, which are generally not painful. Skin changes to the rash may occur as well as gum proliferation and a tendency to bleeding, for example, on the gums, in the nose or in the form of bruises or bruises. The susceptibility to infections increases, and the liver and spleen often enlarge.
If you observe one or more of the symptoms described above, that does not mean that you have leukemia! All of these symptoms also occur in harmless conditions that have nothing to do with leukemia. Nevertheless, you should always consult a doctor to clarify the cause of your symptoms.
Even lower the risk of leukemia
There is no early detection test for leukemia. In many cases, the disease is accidentally detected when patients visit the doctor for nonspecific symptoms or other reasons.
It is important to avoid the known risk factors. People at higher risk should be checked regularly. In the majority of cases, no cause can be identified for the development of leukemia. However, to reduce the risk of illness, pay attention to the following measures:
Excessive X-ray examinations should be avoided. You can help to keep your radiation exposure as low as possible: Keep an X-ray pass in which every X-ray examination is recorded. Such a passport helps you and your doctor to keep track of your previous examinations, avoiding duplicate examinations.
Do not smoke !
Avoid chemical risk factors , especially benzene and benzene-containing substances
What is your doctor doing?
If you go to the doctor with the suspected leukemia, there are several methods of diagnosis available. First, he gets a general impression through a thorough physical examination. A blood analysis can reveal whether the number of white blood cells has changed and whether possibly altered cells can be seen in the blood.
To confirm the diagnosis , the doctor often performs a bone marrow puncture on the posterior iliac crest to allow the tissue so removed to be examined in the laboratory. A bone marrow puncture usually requires only a local anesthetic. A biopsy is also possible, in which the patient with a thin tube tissue samples from suspicious lymph nodes are removed. With the help of an ultrasound examination or imaging techniques such as x-rays or computed tomography , infested lymph nodes can be detected.
