A condition like leukemia usually develops when the DNA of a single cell found in the bone marrow starts to mutate and multiply abnormally. These abnormal leukemia blood cells are immature white blood cells unable to perform healthy blood cell functions. The treatment plan for leukemia depends on the type one suffers from and the associated symptoms. Herein, we look at these types and a few important aspects of this disease.

Symptoms and risk factors
In a healthy body, cell growth and destruction happen at a set rate and are known to be the normal cycle of the cell. However, in a disease like leukemia, the cell growth tends to become out of control, which leads to overcrowding around the healthy cells that cannot perform their functions properly. This uncontrollable growth leads to fewer healthy white and red blood cells and platelet counts. Here are some of the most commonly observed signs of this condition:

Frequent and severe infections
Loss of muscle fat and mass without any external catalysts
Enlarged liver or spleen
Swollen lymph nodes
Persistent weakness and fatigue
Sweating excessively, especially at night
Recurrent nosebleeds
Bruising or bleeding easily
Tenderness in the bone or bone pain
Noticeable tiny red spots on the skin

Some risk factors for developing leukemia could include any previous cancer treatments, any genetic disorder in the family, exposure to specific chemicals like benzene, or any family history of the disease.

Types of leukemia
Depending on the types of leukemia shown, the health professional can plan specific treatment plans:

Acute myelogenous leukemia (AML)
This common type of leukemia affects both children and adults. However, this is the most common type of leukemia that affects adults.
Acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL)
Young children are mostly affected by this leukemia type, but ALL may also affect adults 65 and older.
Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL)
This type develops in adults 55 years old or older. It may also affect young adults; however, it rarely develops in children.
Chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML)
This type of leukemia mostly affects adults, but a very small percentage of children may develop it if they are at high risk.

Some rare leukemia types include hairy cell leukemia, myelodysplastic syndromes, or myeloproliferative disorder.

Treatment plans
While treatment depends on the specific diagnosis done by the doctor, some usual treatment options are helpful in the management and recovery of the disease.

Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy is a primary form of treatment for this kind of disease. The options can be oral or intravenous, depending on the diagnosis and plan of the health professional.
Radiation therapy
This method uses high-energy rays that help damage or kill abnormal leukemia cells. Such a treatment is done as the patent lies down, and the beaming machine directs the radiation to kill the cells at specific points.
Stem cell transplant
A stem cell transplant is a kind of treatment that replaces unhealthy bone marrow with healthy or leukemia-free stem cells. These stem cells then slowly help to re-develop a healthy bone marrow in the body. Usually, a donor can give healthy stem cells if they are a match. However, one can also use their own healthy stem cells.
Immunotherapy
This treatment works by interfering with the immune system and killing the leukemia cells. Because the cancer cells form proteins that keep them hidden from the immune system’s natural antibodies, this immunotherapy helps recognize these abnormal cells and kill them.

Nutritional tips
According to experts, those with cancer have various nutritional requirements depending on factors like age, type of cancer, stage of cancer, treatment, and other medical conditions. It is important to consider speaking to a professional who can chart an appropriate food plan.

Some basic nutritional requirements include having a good amount of legumes on your plate. About 50 percent of the plate should be filled with vegetables; beans and peas are great additions. Try to avoid too many potatoes. Protein sources like lean meats, poultry, eggs, nuts, and soy products are good sources to help keep your muscle mass while adding much fat to your body. Olive and canola oils are suggested as cooking essentials for recipes requiring stir-frying veggies or salad dressings. Milk, yogurt, and cheese can be eaten, but make sure they are either low-fat or fat-free to avoid unnecessary calorie intake that may hinder recovery.

Having an in-depth discussion with an expert about the appropriate steps one needs to take is crucial. Such a condition needs prompt, precise treatment and the right meal plan to ensure one can deal with the symptoms of leukemia.