Leukemia FAQ
If you’re experiencing any signs or symptoms of leukemia, it’s important to see a doctor right away. A doctor can look for the physical signs of leukemia, such as pale skin or lymph node swelling, and take a blood sample for testing. By looking at this sample, it can be determined if you have abnormal blood cell or platelet (blood cells that help blood clot) levels. Your doctor may also recommend a bone marrow test, which involves removing a sample of bone marrow from the hipbone with a thin needle and then sending it to a lab for testing. Once you’ve been diagnosed, you and your doctor can work together to develop a treatment plan.
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Review Date:
November 10, 2015Citation:
NIH, "Leukemia - for patients" Mayo Clinic, "Leukemia: Definition, symptoms, causes, coping, risk factors, diagnosis etc." Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, "Facts and Statistics" NIH Senior Health, "Leukemia: What is leukemia, who is at risk, treatments" Image courtesy of Designer491 | Dreamstime.com Image courtesy of Luchschen | Dreamstime.com Image courtesy of Rob3000 | Dreamstime.com Image courtesy of Katarzyna Bialasiewicz | Dreamstime.com Image courtesy of Igor Mojzes | Dreamstime.com Image courtesy of Katarzyna Bialasiewicz | Dreamstime.com Image courtesy of Michael Courtney | Dreamstime.com
Last Updated:
November 16, 2015