What organ systems are affected by leukemia?

The organ systems most commonly affected by leukemia include:

- Blood and bone marrow: Leukemia primarily affects the blood and bone marrow, where blood cells are produced. The abnormal growth of leukemia cells disrupts the production of normal blood cells, leading to anemia, low platelet counts, and impaired immune function.

- Lymphatic system: In some types of leukemia, particularly lymphocytic leukemia, cancer cells accumulate in the lymph nodes, spleen, and thymus gland. This can cause enlargement of these lymphoid tissues and impair their normal function in immune defense.

- Liver and spleen: The liver and spleen are often affected in leukemia as cancer cells infiltrate these organs. This can lead to enlargement of the liver and spleen, disrupt their function in filtering blood and storing blood cells, and contribute to cytopenias (low blood cell counts).

- Nervous system: In certain types of leukemia, particularly acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), cancerous cells can cross the blood-brain barrier and enter the central nervous system. This can result in neurological symptoms such as headaches, seizures, cranial nerve palsies, and altered mental status.

- Gastrointestinal system: In some cases, leukemia can involve the gastrointestinal tract, often associated with the infiltration of cancerous cells. This can lead to abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, or intestinal obstruction, depending on the site and extent of the infiltration.

These are the primary organ systems commonly affected by leukemia, but it's worth noting that leukemia can potentially have systemic effects and impact other organs or tissues as well, depending on the type and progression of the disease.