Comprehensive Leukemia Care at Vibhavadi Hospital

Understanding Leukemia

Leukemia is a type of cancer that affects the blood and bone marrow. It begins when the body produces an excessive amount of abnormal white blood cells, which interfere with the production of normal blood cells. Unlike many other cancers that form solid tumors, leukemia is found in blood cells and can spread throughout the body rapidly if untreated.

What Are White Blood Cells?

White blood cells (WBCs) are part of the immune system and help the body fight infections and other diseases. In leukemia, the bone marrow produces large quantities of immature or abnormal WBCs, weakening the immune system and impairing normal blood function.

Types of Leukemia

There are several major types of leukemia, classified based on how quickly they progress (acute or chronic) and which type of white blood cell they affect (lymphocytic or myeloid):

• Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL)

• Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML)

• Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL)

• Chronic Myeloid Leukemia (CML)

Each type has distinct characteristics and requires specific treatment strategies.

Risk Factors for Leukemia

While the exact cause of leukemia remains unknown, certain factors may increase the risk of developing the disease:

• Genetic Disorders: Conditions such as Down syndrome can elevate the risk.

• Family History: Having a close relative with leukemia may increase the chance of developing it.

• Exposure to Radiation: High levels of radiation exposure, such as from nuclear accidents, raise the risk.

• Chemical Exposure: Long-term exposure to chemicals like benzene is a known risk factor.

• Previous Cancer Treatment: Chemotherapy or radiation therapy for other cancers can lead to leukemia.

• Smoking: Tobacco use has been linked to an increased risk of certain types of leukemia.

Signs and Symptoms of Leukemia

Early symptoms of leukemia are often vague and nonspecific. It is important to recognize potential warning signs, such as:

• Persistent fatigue and weakness

• Frequent infections

• Unexplained fever or chills

• Easy bruising or bleeding

• Shortness of breath

• Bone or joint pain

• Swollen lymph nodes, liver, or spleen

• Unexplained weight loss

If you experience any of these symptoms consistently, it is crucial to seek medical evaluation promptly.

Leukemia Services at Vibhavadi Hospital

Accurate Diagnosis and Advanced Screening

Early and precise diagnosis is critical for effective leukemia treatment. Vibhavadi Hospital offers comprehensive diagnostic services, including:

Diagnostic Tests

• Complete Blood Count (CBC): Measures the levels of red cells, white cells, and platelets.

• Bone Marrow Aspiration and Biopsy: Essential procedures to examine marrow tissue for abnormal cells.

• Flow Cytometry: Identifies the specific type of leukemia cells.

• Genetic Testing: Detects mutations that can guide targeted therapy.

• Imaging Tests: CT scans or ultrasounds to check for spread to other organs.

Our cutting-edge laboratories ensure rapid and accurate results, supporting a fast and informed diagnosis.

Comprehensive Treatment Options

At Vibhavadi Hospital, leukemia treatment is personalized based on the patient's age, type of leukemia, and overall health.

Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy is the primary treatment for most types of leukemia. It uses potent drugs to destroy leukemia cells and stop their growth.

Targeted Therapy

Targeted drugs specifically attack cancer cells with certain genetic markers, minimizing harm to healthy cells. This form of therapy is increasingly used for chronic leukemias like CML.

Immunotherapy

Immunotherapy boosts the patient’s immune system to recognize and destroy leukemia cells more effectively.

Stem Cell Transplant

Also known as a bone marrow transplant, this procedure replaces diseased bone marrow with healthy stem cells, offering a potential cure for many leukemia patients.

Supportive Care

Treatment at Vibhavadi Hospital also includes supportive therapies, such as:

• Blood transfusions

• Antibiotics to prevent infections

• Nutritional support

Our goal is to improve quality of life throughout the treatment process.

Specialized Medical Team

Our leukemia care team is composed of:

• Hematologists

• Medical Oncologists

• Bone Marrow Transplant Specialists

• Pathologists

• Infectious Disease Specialists

• Experienced Oncology Nurses

Each patient benefits from a multidisciplinary team that collaborates closely to create a personalized, holistic treatment plan.

How to Make an Appointment

Scheduling your appointment at Vibhavadi Hospital is easy and convenient:

• Phone: Call our Cancer Center at [insert contact number].

• Online Booking: Visit https://www.vibhavadi.com/th for 24/7 appointment scheduling.

• Walk-In: Visit our Outpatient Cancer Center during hospital operating hours.

For urgent cases or second opinions, expedited services are available.