Leukemia Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words - 1

Leukemia - Research Paper Example The different types of leukemia present with different clinical features and there are differing signs and symptoms. The condition affects the bone marrow as well as the blood with the presence of altered cells in the bloodstream. Different diagnostic procedures are utilized to diagnose this condition. These include the full blood count as well as blood smears. Biopsy of the bone marrow is also performed for a definitive conclusion. Each form of leukemia has its own pharmacological treatment directed towards treating the condition. Bone marrow transplant is the last treatment resort for all types of leukemia. Neoplasms within the blood arise when there is disruption in the normal pattern of differentiation of blood cells. Leukemia falls within the classification of the cancerous pathological conditions of the blood which results in a rise in the white blood cells at their site of production that is the bone marrow as well in the blood which is present in the circulation. There is no specific definitive cause that has been identified for this condition but there are many risk factors and proposed causes which are considered to increase the susceptibility of the development of leukemia. Leukemia is a malignancy which is further categorized into many subtypes. These include the acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), acute myeloid leukemia (AML), chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), chronic myeloid leukemia (CML), adult T-Cell leukemia and hairy cell leukemia (Davidson et al 2009; Kumar et al 2005). The occurrence of leukemia has been associated with different causes. It has been analyzed that alterations in the normal chromosomal development which may be due translocations as well as rearrangements in the chromosomal structure may lead to leukemia. An interesting aspect of leukemia is that it is seen to be present at a higher rate in the people who suffer from other genetic pathological conditions. A higher incidence of acute