What is leukemia?
A person with leukemia has cancer of the white blood cells. The white blood cells, which are produced in the bone marrow, multiply out of control. This results in abnormally high numbers of white blood cells in the bloodstream. The type of leukemia is determined by the type of cell that is over-produced by the bone marrow. Childhood leukemia usually occurs between the ages of 3 and 7 years. In adults, leukemia is most common between the ages of 50 to 60 years old. The exact cause for leukemia is unknown, but inheritance may play a role in determining the risk for leukemia.

What are the symptoms of leukemia?
Common symptoms of leukemia include bone pain, abdominal pain, easy bleeding, fatigue, pale skin, weakness or fatigue, and lymph gland swelling.

How does the doctor treat leukemia?
Treatment for leukemia depends on the type of white blood cell that is over-produced by the bone marrow. Treatment may include chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and bone marrow transplant.