Causes and Diagnoses

Causes and Diagnoses of Leukemia

The cause of leukemia is unknown, but certain factors may increase the risk of leukemia, including:

  • Smoking
  • Chemotherapy (however, the benefit of taking the medication outweighs the risk)
  • Radiation exposure
  • Blood disorders, such as myelodysplastic syndromes (occurs when blood-forming cells in the bone marrow are damaged)
  • Certain chemicals, like benzene
  • A known family history of leukemia
  • Rare congenital diseases, such as Down syndrome, ataxia telangiectasia, and Bloom syndrome

Diagnoses

Symptoms of leukemia can mimic many other conditions. If you're experiencing symptoms of leukemia, your physician will perform a complete health assessment in addition to diagnostic testing. As with all cancers, early detection improves the chances of a positive outcome.

Diagnostic tests vary depending on the type of blood and lymph cancer your physician is trying to rule out. Diagnostic tests may include:

  • Blood tests
  • Bone marrow aspiration and biopsy
  • Lumbar puncture to collect spinal fluid
  • Lymph node biopsy
  • Lymph node removal

A diagnosis of leukemia can only be verified by viewing cancer cells under a microscope. If a diagnosis is made, your physician may use additional tests to assess the stage of the cancer. These tests include: