What are the causes and symptoms of chronic leukemias?
Leukemia strikes both sexes and all ages. Although the cause is unknown, chronic leukemia is linked to genetic abnormalities and environmental factors. For example, exposure to ionizing radiation and to certain organic chemicals, such as benzene, is believed to increase the risks for getting leukemia. Chronic leukemia occurs in some people who are infected with two human retroviruses (HTLV-I and HTLV-II). An abnormal chromosome known as the Philadelphia chromosome is seen in 90% of those with CML. The incidence of chronic leukemia is slightly higher among men than women. The symptoms of chronic leukemia are generally vague and non-specific. In chronic lymphoid leukemia (CLL), a patient may experience all or some of the following symptoms: • Swollen lymph nodes • An enlarged spleen, which could make the patient complain of abdominal fullness • Chronic fatigue • A general feeling of ill-health • Fever of unknown origin • Night sweats • Weight loss that is not due to dieting or exercise •
