blood disorders
Overview of Leukemia
Causes of Leukemia
The cause of most types of leukemia is not known. Exposure to radiation, to some types of chemotherapy, or to certain chemicals (such as benzene, some pesticides, and chemicals in tobacco smoke) increases the risk of developing some types of leukemia, although leukemia develops only in a very small number of exposed people. Certain hereditary disorders, such as Down Syndrome (Trisomy 21) and Fanconi anemia, increase the risk as well. In some people, leukemia is caused by certain abnormalities of the chromosomes. A virus known as human T lymphotropic virus 1 (HTLV-1), which is similar to the virus (HIV-1) that causes AIDS, is strongly suspected of causing a rare type of lymphocytic leukemia called adult T-cell leukemia. Infection with the Infectious Mononucleosis (which also causes mononucleosis) has been associated with a rare form of lymphocytic leukemia that occurs in Asia and Africa. 