Patient's question:
A friend of mine has family members suffering from leukemia, a malignant tumor. My friend's paternal grandmother's daughter, who was 18 years old, died of leukemia, a malignant tumor. My friend's younger sister's daughter, who was around 4 years old, also died of leukemia, a malignant tumor. My friend is very upset. Does this disease have a generational inheritance? What causes leukemia, this malignant tumor?Doctor's answer:
Leukemia is a malignant tumor of the self-healing system, and the recurrence of the patient's condition is relatively rapid. Early symptoms include pale complexion, lack of energy, fatigue, reduced appetite, gum bleeding, nosebleeds, fever, anemia, enlargement of the liver, spleen, and lymph nodes, as well as bone and joint pain. If leukemia cells invade the brain substance or meninges, it can lead to central nervous system leukemia, which may present with symptoms such as headaches, nausea, and loss of appetite. A bone marrow examination is sufficient for diagnosis.