Too much of a good thing, as the old saying goes, is bad. White blood cells contain the antibodies necessary to combat the forces that threaten the body. These forces are bacteria, infections, and others that would cause damage to the inner workings of the human body. However, having a elevated white blood cell count leads to the cancer known as leukemia.
Leukemia is defined as the cancer of the blood and bone marrow, where blood cells are usually formed. Leukemia is determined when there is an abnormal proliferation or a multiplied reproduction of blood cells, particularly the white blood cells.
Too many white blood cells, which are designed to attack the bad elements in the body, would result with the blood cells attacking other cells. Other symptoms of leukemia include fever, chills, and other flu like symptoms. Also, the patient exhibits weakness and fatigue. A great loss of appetite occurs and the patient usually loses weight dramatically because of it.
Swollen or bleeding gums are also symptoms, as well as excessive bleeding even from minor cuts. The patient would also discover that he or she would bruise very easily and even become more prone to infection. Bone pain and aching and swollen joints are also known o be symptoms of leukemia.
There is no singular cause of the disease that researchers can point out, but four common causes which are most probable have been named. One would be exposure to natural or artificial ionizing radiation. Another reason is exposure to different kinds of harmful chemicals. It is also possible that a person can get the disease through a virus. Lastly, genetic predispositions have also been considered as a possible cause of leukemia.
No matter what the cause is, leukemia, like ay other cancer, is a very dangerous and serious illness and one exhibiting or knowing someone exhibiting the symptoms should consult with a doctor.
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