Living with LeukemiaNicovia RudolphAnatomy and PhysiologyDoris WildermanMay 24, 2014Leukemia ExplainedLeukemia is a type of cancer that affects the lymphatic system and blood cells. The lymphatic system is connected to the circulatory system and is important. It is important because its role is to protect the body from infections and maintain a stable level of fluid in the body. Leukemia affects your body because it causes problems with your immune system. There are several known types of leukemia. Acute leukemia is the worst form to diagnose because the white blood cells do not function normally. White blood cells are the cells that provide immunity to the body and keep infections and other harmful bacteria out of the body. Because these cells need help to function, they grow very quickly. Another type is chronic leukemia, which is not as serious as it is acute. Unlike acute leukemia, chronic stage white blood cells are able to function normally. Some leukemia cells primarily affect adults, while others affect adults and children. Lymphocytic leukemia is a cancer that affects lymphoid cells, and the chronic condition grows slowly, while the acute condition grows rapidly. The same rules apply to chronic and acute myeloid leukemia. They are characterized by the type of white blood cells involved and the location. How is leukemia diagnosed? Leukemia may be difficult to diagnose because many people have no symptoms. Some symptoms include: constantly getting infections, swollen lymph nodes, fever, easy bleeding and bruising, and fatigue, to name a few. When the joints and bones are infected, you would feel pain in those areas as well. A doctor can determine whether a person has a... middle of paper... L) and chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML). All four types affect both children and adults, but children are more prone due to their weak immune systems. Many of their white blood cells are destroyed, forcing their body to work harder to fight infections. Various treatments are given to patients and some can cure them while others prolong them. Some have signs and symptoms while others take time to develop. The effectiveness of treatment depends on the person and other factors, including age. We pray for our leukemia patients and celebrate with those who have defeated cancer. Bibliography Dr Kenny, Tim. (2012, January 1). Leukemia A general overview. Retrieved from http://www.patient.co.uk/health/leukaemia-a-general-overview Leukemia. (1996-2014). In MedicineNet. Retrieved from http://www.medicinenet.com/leukemia/article.htm (1,093)