What body systems does leukemia impact?

It typically affects WBCs, which are responsible for protecting against infection and illness. Leukemia and its treatment affect many areas of the body, including blood, bones, the heart and other muscles, and the digestive system. Leukemia also affects the immune system, increasing the risk of infections.

What organ system is leukemia?

Leukemia is a type of cancer that affects the body’s blood-forming cells in the bone marrow and lymphatic system.

Who does leukemia mainly affect?

Although it is often thought of as a children’s disease, most cases of leukemia occur in older adults. More than half of all leukemia cases occur in people over the age of 65.

How does leukemia affect the liver?

Leukemia cells may build up in the liver and spleen, making them larger. This might be noticed as a fullness or swelling of the belly, or feeling full after eating only a small amount. The lower ribs usually cover these organs, but when the organs are enlarged the doctor can feel them.

Can leukemia affect the pancreas?

Pancreatic infiltration with leukemic cells is a rare manifestation of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (LAL) 1. Acute pancreatitis in LAL is either due to hypercalcemia or chemotherapy, but direct damage to the pancrease by leukemic cells is rarely observed.

Does leukemia affect the kidneys?

Kidney involvement in leukemia and lymphoma can be quite extensive. Acute kidney injury (AKI) is quite prevalent in these patients, with prerenal and acute tubular necrosis being the most common etiologies.

Can leukemia spread to the liver?

The leukemia cells enter the blood quickly and sometimes can spread to the liver, spleen, central nervous system (brain and spinal cord), and testicles.

Does leukemia cause pancreatitis?

Background. Pancreatitis is a rare manifestation of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) arising during or after the course of the disease. It can be the first and only manifestation of AML.

What causes pancreatitis?

Chronic pancreatitis does not heal or improve. It gets worse over time and leads to permanent damage. The most common cause is heavy alcohol use. Other causes include cystic fibrosis and other inherited disorders, high levels of calcium or fats in the blood, some medicines, and autoimmune conditions.