What are the characteristics of leukemia?

Answer 1

Well it really depends. There are many different types of leukaemia, some chronic, others acute.

But basically, what characterises it is either the presence of immature cells in the peripheral blood, or an excess of immature cells in the bone marrow that have become 'rogue'. Leukaemia can originate from all thress blood cells (White, red, platelets), and just like normal cells can become mutated. For example lung cancer, is a tumour in your lungs that is formed from one single cell that no longer plays by the rules. In leukaemia, all the 'cancer blood cells' came from one cell - clonality. Your question is a big one, and would probably be easier to answer if it were more specific.

Answer 2

If by characteristics you mean symptoms, some would be:

- Paleness/moreso than usual, if already pale.

- Weight loss, despite eating a normal diet

- Bruising easily. This is due to blood platelets not working correctly, therefore, allowing bruising to occur more easily. This can also cause anemia or be a symptom of anemia.

- Getting infections often. This is especially a cause for concern when one doesn't typically get infections and/or sick often.

- Fatigue beyond the norm. Could sleep all day and night and STILL be tired.

- Red "spots" on skin, typically on the legs. Other skin changes can occur as well.

If you have all of these symptoms, go get a CBC (complete blood count) to make sure everything is okay. Good luck; hope everything is okay :).