Leukaemia is cancer of the white blood cells. The stem cells, present in bone marrow start overproducing white blood cells, which are not fully developed. This overproduction of lymphocytes is at the expense of red blood cells, which are responsible for carrying oxygen around the body, and at the expense of platelets, which help stop bleeding. White blood cells help to fight infection, however, in leukaemia the immature white blood cells cannot fight infection.
Symptoms can include repeated infections, tiredness due to a lack of red blood cells, bleeding and bruising, fever, night sweats, bone pain, weight loss, swollen spleen and swollen lymph nodes or glands. Some people can live for years or decades without developing symptoms or needing treatment.
Treatment often involves chemotherapy, which cannot cure the condition, but can slow its progression and lead to remission. Regular blood tests help to monitor the condition. One of the main complications of chronic lymphocytic leukaemia is increased vulnerability to infection.
Identifies the signs and symptoms experienced
Details the comprehensive plan of care
Identifies possible complications
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