Chronic myeloid leukemia is a blood cancer characterized by a gradual increase in the number of white blood cells in blood, spleen enlargement and occasionally on other blood cells. The disease is uncommon, and each year are diagnosed in the Western world about 2 new cases per 100,000 inhabitants. Typically a disease of adults, and incidence of the disease increases with age, yet about 10% of cases are diagnosed between the ages of 5 to 20.
Chronic myeloid leukemia is the first disease in history that clearly demonstrated the link between genetic mutation and cancer cells. In 1960 was first identified on chromosome 22 a small change in CML cells. This discovery became known as the Philadelphia chromosome, while in 1972 it became clear that this is a process of exchange genetic segments between different chromosomes.
Exchange genes, produced a defective protein called BCR-ABL. This protein activates the mechanism of regular cell division, and thus caused the uncontrolled culture of white cells, Kerry - a blood cancer.
Although genetic disease (as other cancerous disease), which means that it is caused by a mutation, but it is not hereditary. Ie - is not transferred inherited from parents to their children. It is unclear what causes the mutation over a lifetime but it is known that there is radiation exposure.
Disease in three stages:
1. The chronic phase: This is where 90% of patients are diagnosed and is expressed in large amounts of white cells in blood and an enlarged spleen. Amount of malignant cells (blast) is small. This stage lasts about 5 years according to past data, but existing therapies prolonging this phase considerably.
2. Accelerated phase: a transitional stage between the chronic phase and phase Hblasti. White blood cells increase, the spleen increased, there are other disorders in blood counts and amount Hblastim blood rises. This phase usually lasts several months to a year.
3. Hblasti phase: the final stage in which the disease becomes really sharp and acute leukemia with blast percentage above 20%. Life expectancy is currently no measured bone marrow transplant a few months.
How is it diagnosed?
Most patients diagnosed as chronic phase. Since this phase develops slowly, some feel nothing and in many cases are diagnosed in the case.
Those who feel symptoms often report general complaints such as fatigue, weakness, abdominal fullness or pain (for spleen). Sometimes there may be fever, weight loss, or bone pain. If the number is very high white cell-related symptoms may appear slow blood flow include headaches, blurred vision, dizziness, and difficulty breathing.
Creating a blog to me then appeared as an essential complement to be able to add addresses, useful links, to speak more fully of my favorites products and obviously able to share my passion!