Leukemia and Weight Loss
Leukemia is a life-threatening cancer. In leukemia, the white blood cells divide uncontrollably and choke out the production of normal red and white blood cells and platelets. Weight loss with leukemia may be directly associated with the symptoms of the disease or the treatments used to stop its progression.
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Leukemia
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Leukemia is a malignant cancer of the blood and bone marrow. There are four different types of leukemia: acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL), acute myelogenous leukemia (AML), chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML), and chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). Each type of leukemia begins in the bone marrow.
Risk Factors and Effects
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Anyone, at any age, can get leukemia. Acute lymphocytic leukemia is the most common form of leukemia in children. Acute myelogenous leukemia and chronic lymphocytic leukemia are the most common types in adults. People over the age of 60 are the most likely to get leukemia. Many people who develop leukemia do not have any risk factors. Other people have risk factors and do not develop leukemia. The exact causes of leukemia are unknown. The effects of leukemia include fatigue and weight loss.
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Leukemia and Weight Loss
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Unintentional weight loss is one of the warning signs of leukemia. It can be caused by the stress the illness puts on the body or by the release of chemicals due to the disease. In addition, weight loss may result from leukemia treatments such as chemotherapy and radiation.
Chemotherapy and Weight Loss
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Two of the side effects of chemotherapy are nausea and vomiting. These may be caused by the treatment or they may be triggered by a sensitivity to certain smells following chemotherapy. It is not uncommon for people going through chemotherapy to lose their appetite. Chemotherapy can cause an stomach upset or a sore mouth. In some cases a change of diet or eating crackers will help relieve the symptoms. If the nausea and vomiting are severe, antinausea medications may be needed.
Individuals who experience weight loss as a result of chemotherapy should consult their doctor or a dietician for help. During chemotherapy, individuals need more calories and protein. The MD Anderson Cancer Center recommends eating six small meals a day, frequent snacks and adding high protein foods to the diet. Liquid nutritional supplements are recommended for people who cannot keep food down. In extreme cases, a intravenous line (IV) may be needed.
Radiation and Weight Loss
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Radiation therapy is often prescribed for leukemia patients. Radiation therapy involves the use of high-dose x-rays. It is used as a stand-alone treatment or in conjunction with chemotherapy. Like chemotherapy, radiation therapy may cause nausea and vomiting. It can also cause diarrhea. Patients may lose their appetite or feel too tired to eat. All of these conditions can lead to weight loss. These side effects usually go away after the treatment is stopped.
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- Photo Credit Image by Flickr.com, courtesy of Andrew Mason
