Leukemia is cancer that affects the body’s lymphatic system including the blood-forming tissues and the bone marrow. It generally affects the white blood cells in the body. Under normal circumstances, the white blood cells, which guard the body against infections, grow and divide normally. But in the case of people with leukemia, the bone marrow produces anomalous white blood cells that do not function correctly.

Leukemia is of several types. Consequently, the treatment for the condition largely depends upon the type. However, in most cases, the treatment can be quite complex.

Diagnosis of leukemia
In case of any signs and symptoms of leukemia, your doctor may prescribe one of the following diagnostic tests:

• Physical examination: In this, your doctor will try to identify the physical symptoms of leukemia, such as swollen lymph nodes, tiny red spots on the skin or amplification of the spleen and liver.
• Blood test: This is the most common way to diagnose the condition. By looking at your blood sample, your doctor can determine any irregularity in the level of white or red blood cells, which may indicate leukemia.
• Bone marrow test: This involves removing a small sample of bone marrow from your hip bone to look for leukemia cells. Further, testing these leukemia cells can help the doctor in suggesting the most appropriate treatment option.

Treatment of leukemia
The best treatment for leukemia may depend on a variety of factors, such as the type of disease, the spread of disease, your age, and overall health.

Some of the most common treatments to combat the condition include:

• Chemotherapy: One of the most commonly used methods; this involves using one or more chemicals to destroy the leukemia cells in the body. These chemicals may be injected directly into the vein or given in the form of a pill.
• Targeted therapy: This involves injecting certain medicines into the body that attack particular susceptibilities in the leukemia cells.
• Biological therapy: This method stimulates the immune system to identify and destroy the cancer cells.
• Radiation therapy: This treatment option involves the use of X-rays or high-energy beams to destroy the cancer cells and impede their growth. You may be given radiation in one specific body area where there is a concentration of leukemia cells or all through the body. Sometimes, radiation therapy may be given to prepare the body for a stem cell transplant.
• Stem cell transplant: This method includes replacing the affected bone marrow with a healthy one. In this, the person is first given high doses of radiation or chemotherapy to completely destroy the affected bone marrow. Later, the person is injected with blood-forming stem cells to facilitate the reconstruction of bone marrow.

A diagnosis of leukemia can be distressing. It is advisable to keep your friends and family close who can offer the necessary support. Also, it is important to get in touch with a seasoned medical professional who can administer the right treatment option for your condition.