Leukemia: A Malignant Clonal Disease of Hematopoietic Stem Cells

Leukemia arises from the malignant cloning of hematopoietic stem cells. When the differentiation and maturation of leukemia cells are impaired, apoptosis is hindered, leading to massive proliferation and accumulation in the bone marrow and other hematopoietic tissues. This process also infiltrates other non-hematopoietic tissues and organs, resulting in a series of clinical manifestations. The following outlines the various stages and symptoms associated with leukemia:

I. Symptoms in the Acute Phase:

1. Fever: Due to suppression or destruction of normal hematopoiesis, patients may experience varying degrees of infection, such as respiratory infections.
2. Bleeding: Primarily manifested as skin petechiae, ecchymoses, and bleeding from the nasal cavity and gums. In severe cases, intracranial bleeding may occur.
3. Anemia: Caused by decreased red blood cell production, leading to symptoms like pallor, fatigue, palpitations, and shortness of breath.
4. Lymphadenopathy: Commonly affecting the neck, axillae, and inguinal regions, and may be accompanied by hepatosplenomegaly.

II. Symptoms in the Chronic Phase:

During the chronic phase of leukemia, patients typically do not experience notable discomfort. However, some may feel generalized weakness, weight loss, low-grade fever, and night sweats.

III. Symptoms in the Remission Phase:

After treatment, when leukemia is under control and enters the remission phase, patients may experience symptoms similar to those of a cold, including cough, sputum production, rhinorrhea, sneezing, sore throat, muscle aches and pains, anorexia, nausea, and vomiting.

IV. Symptoms in the Recurrence Phase:

If leukemia is not effectively controlled after chemotherapy or radiotherapy, it may relapse. During this phase, patients may experience the recurrence of previous symptoms, potentially more severe than before.

Recommendation: Leukemia patients are advised to promptly consult a hematologist for a complete blood count and bone marrow aspiration examination to confirm the diagnosis. Once diagnosed, patients should actively cooperate with their physicians in targeted treatments to avoid disease progression.