Relapsed Leukemia
Relapsed Leukemia – Causes, Symptoms, and Treatments
Leukemia is a type of cancer affecting the white blood cells in your bone marrow. It progresses quickly and can become life-threatening if left untreated. Relapsed leukemia is when the cancer has returned after treatment. It is a serious condition, but with the right treatment it can often be cured again.
Causes of Relapsed Leukemia
Relapsed leukemia can occur for a few reasons:
- The cancer was not completely eradicated during treatment.
- Cancer cells survive and a few divide, until there are enough to cause a relapse.
- Cancer cells become resistant to the original treatment and reappear.
- Even after a successful treatment, some cancer cells may remain, and these can re-emerge.
Symptoms of Relapsed Leukemia
The symptoms of a relapse can vary, and it is important to recognize them so treatment can begin quickly. Common symptoms include:
- Fatigue
- Infections or fevers
- Unexplained weight loss
- Feeling weak or dizzy
- Headaches
- Unexplainable bruises or bleeding
Treatments for Relapsed Leukemia
Treatment options for a relapse will depend on the type of leukemia and its stage. Common treatments include:
- Chemotherapy – Medications are used to restore balance in the number of healthy and cancerous cells.
- Radiation Therapy – High-energy X-rays are used to damage and destroy cancer cells.
- Targeted Therapy – Special drugs are used to interfere with the way cancer cells multiply and spread.
- Immunotherapy – This therapy uses the immune system to fight leukemia cells.
- Bone Marrow Transplant – Healthy bone marrow cells are used to replace cancerous cells.
If the cancer is not responding to traditional treatments, a doctor can suggest clinical trials, which may involve newer types of treatment. Clinical trials are available for some types, but not all, types of leukemia.
Preventing Relapsed Leukemia
There is currently no sure-fire way to prevent a relapse, but there are several steps patients can take to reduce their risk:
- Follow the doctor’s instructions carefully.
- Make sure to finish the full course of treatment.
- Schedule regular check-ups to monitor any changes.
- Eat a healthy diet and exercise regularly.
- Minimize stress.
Relapsed leukemia is a serious condition, but with the right treatment, it is possible to overcome it. With the help of your doctor, you can figure out the best treatment plan for you and your situation.