How is Leukemia diagnosed?

The leukemia is the cancer of the blood or bone marrow and the person who has this disease, suffers from an abnormal production of blood cells, generally leukocytes. The leukemia can be diagnosed by examining samples of the blood and bone marrow under a microscope. In most of the cases, a lymph node biopsy can also be recommended for testing.

Here are the tests that are recommended for this disease:

·         Blood test
This disease is suspected if a blood test shows large numbers of abnormal white blood cells and normal white blood cells, red blood cells and platelets in low numbers.

·         Lumbar puncture (‘spinal tap')
The doctor may recommend a lumbar puncture to check for leukemia cells in the fluid around the brain and spinal cord.

·         Bone marrow biopsy
This test can help work out which leukemia is the patient suffering from. In this, a small amount of fluid is collected from the bone marrow with a syringe and even a small part of bone marrow will also be removed to be examined under a microscope.

·         Lymph node biopsy

If the patient have enlarged lymph nodes, then the doctor may recommend a biopsy to see if this is related to leukemia.

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