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Leukemia Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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leukemia

[luˈkiːmiə ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

medical condition

Leukemia is a type of cancer that affects the blood and bone marrow. It is characterized by the uncontrolled production of abnormal white blood cells, which can impair the body's ability to fight infections and cause other health problems. There are several types of leukemia, including acute and chronic forms, which can further be classified based on the specific type of white blood cells involved. Symptoms may include fatigue, fever, frequent infections, and easy bruising or bleeding. Treatment often involves chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and sometimes stem cell transplants.

Synonyms

blood cancer, hemopoietic cancer.

Examples of usage

  • She was diagnosed with leukemia at a young age.
  • The symptoms of leukemia can often mimic other illnesses.
  • Researchers are studying new treatments for leukemia.
  • Leukemia can be challenging to treat due to its aggressive nature.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Medical Insights

  • There are several types of leukemia, including acute and chronic forms, which differ in how quickly they progress and affect the body.
  • Treatment options can include chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and sometimes stem cell transplants, showcasing advances in medical science.
  • Survival rates have improved significantly in recent years due to better treatments and early detection.

Cultural Impact

  • Leukemia has inspired various awareness campaigns, such as the Light the Night event where communities come together to raise funds and support.
  • Famous figures and athletes have bravely shared their battles with leukemia, raising awareness and showing hope to others.

Psychological Effects

  • A diagnosis can lead to significant emotional stress, not only for patients but also for their families, impacting mental health and well-being.
  • Support groups play a critical role in helping patients and families cope with the challenges of treatment and side effects.

Scientific Research

  • Ongoing research is focused on understanding the genetic mutations that lead to leukemia, paving the way for more targeted therapies.
  • Studies have indicated that environmental factors may also contribute to the risk of developing leukemia, highlighting the importance of a healthy lifestyle.

Origin of 'leukemia'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from Greek, with 'leukos' meaning 'white' and 'haima' meaning 'blood', indicating the white blood cells involved in this condition.
  • It was first used in medical literature in the late 19th century during the study of blood diseases.

The term 'leukemia' originates from the Greek words 'leukos', meaning 'white', and 'haima', meaning 'blood'. The word was first used in the medical community in the 19th century. Physicians observed a condition characterized by an abnormally high number of white blood cells in patients, which led to the coining of the term to describe this disease. Early descriptions of leukemia can be traced back to the work of pathologists like Rudolf Virchow, who studied the disease and contributed to the understanding of its effects on the blood and bone marrow. Since then, advancements in medical research have significantly improved the diagnosis and treatment of leukemia.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranked #10,051, this word falls into high-advanced vocabulary. It appears less frequently but is valuable for expressing precise meanings in specific contexts.