Leukemia FAQ
Scientists are currently uncertain of the exact causes of leukemia, but it’s generally thought to occur when blood cells acquire mutations in their DNA (the instructions inside cells that determine their actions). One fact scientists do know is that these abnormalities cause the cells to grow and divide more rapidly, or to continue living when other cells die. Over time, this can cause abnormal cells to crowd out healthy ones in the bone marrow, creating the signs and symptoms of leukemia.
Reviewed by:
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