In leukemia, abnormal white blood cells (WBCs) grow and divide uncontrollably, replacing typical WBCs. This can have wide-reaching effects on the body. Leukemia is a type of cancer that causes the bone marrow to produce abnormal blood cells. The disease can affect any type of blood cell, but most commonly affects WBCs that help protect against infection and illness. This article outlines the various ways in which leukemia may affect the body, as well as a person’s day-to-day life. We also describe what leukemia is, including the different types. Leukemia leads to the rapid and significant production of abnormal blood cells, typically WBCs. An excess of abnormal blood cells makes it more difficult for the bone marrow to produce other critical types of blood cells, such as red blood cells and platelets. This lack of red blood cells or platelets can lead to body aches and symptoms of anemia, or severe bruising and bleeding. How does leukemia affect the bones? A person may experience bone pain as their bone marrow becomes overcrowded by the growth of cancer cells. People most often feel this pain in the long bones of the legs and arms, or in the ribs and sternum. Sometimes, a person may experience pain due to a mass of cancer cells forming near the nerves of the spinal cord.
Rarely, leukemia may weaken bones to the extent of causing bone fractures. This is more common in weight bearing bones, such as the: pelvis spine thighbone
How does leukemia affect the immune system? WBCs play an essentialTrusted Source role in the function of the immune system. They are responsible for fighting infections and diseases in the body. Leukemia typically affects WBCs, causing the bone marrow to produce abnormal WBCs that cannot fight infections as they should. This impairs the immune system, putting the body at increased risk of developing severe infections and illnesses. How does leukemia affect the heart and muscles? In leukemia, it is possible for cancer cells to infiltrate blood vessels, causing issues such as ischemic cardiac disease, which is also called coronary artery disease (CAD). This is where the heart does not receive an adequate supply of blood and oxygen.
