Silvio Berlusconi: know the symptoms of leukemia – 06/12/2023 – Equilíbrio
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Silvio Berlusconi, an Italian businessman and former prime minister, died on Monday at the age of 86 from complications of chronic myelomonocytic leukaemia. The disease is a type of cancer that affects blood cells, more specifically white blood cells. Some of the initial symptoms can be similar to colds and flu.
According to Inca (National Cancer Institute), there are more than 12 different types of leukemia, grouped according to the type of cell affected and the speed of disease evolution. This type of cancer targets white blood cells, blood cells that are part of the immune system. The main characteristic of leukemia is the accumulation of diseased cells in the bone marrow, compromising the normal functioning and reproduction of blood structures.
The symptoms of leukemia are related to the reduction of functional cells in the blood, whether white or red blood cells, and their ability to function.
According to the CDC (Center for Disease Control and Prevention of the US Government), some of the initial symptoms of the disease are:
- Fever, chills and other flu-like manifestations;
- Weakness and fatigue;
- Frequent infections;
- loss of appetite;
- Weight loss;
- Swelling in the lymph nodes, liver or spleen;
- Frequent or unexplained bleeding and bruising;
- swollen glands;
- Small red dots under the skin;
- Sweating, especially at night;
- Pain in bones and joints;
- Anemia.
As many of these symptoms can be linked to other diseases, the recommendation is to seek a doctor to make the correct diagnosis.
Chronic leukemias, such as Berlusconi’s, have a slower evolution. At the beginning of the disease, the affected cells still function normally, but the condition worsens over time.
The disease is usually detected through routine blood tests and initial symptoms are mild. As it gets worse, manifestations such as swelling and infections are common.
In acute leukemias, the functioning of the affected cells is rapidly impaired and the evolution of the disease occurs in a short period of time.
Early detection of leukemia is important to increase the chances of successful treatment. The diagnosis is made through laboratory and imaging tests, and investigation is recommended when some of the main symptoms are present, even if they can also be caused by other health conditions.
The main blood test for detecting leukemia is the CBC, which indicates the count of the main cells. Confirmation of the diagnosis is usually made by examining the bone marrow.
The treatment of this type of cancer is done in stages and varies according to the type of leukemia.
There is no known cause for the development of the disease, but some factors, such as genetics and exposure to toxic substances may be related to a higher risk of developing the disease, according to studies.
In addition, smoking is also seen as a risk factor for the development of some types of leukemia.
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