Today, it was revealed that Silvio Berlusconi, Italy’s divisive former prime leader, had passed away at age 86.

The millionaire, known for his infamous “Bunga Bunga” sex parties, had leukemia and had recently been diagnosed with a lung infection.

Friday saw Berlusconi committed to Milan’s San Raffaele hospital for pre-arranged tests relating to his leukemia, according to advisers.

Berlusconi had lately been diagnosed with a lung infection in addition to having leukemia “for some time.” He was admitted to San Raffaele Hospital in Milan on Friday for leukemia-related tests that, according to aides, were planned ahead of time.

 

Italy’s controversial former prime minister Silvio Berlusconi and his 33-year-old partner Marta Fascina, who is a Forza Italia MP. Berlusconi has died aged 86 after being admitted to hospital with leukemia last week

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What Is Leukemia

Cancer of the body’s blood-forming tissues, such as the lymphatic system and bone marrow, is known as leukemia.

There are various forms of leukemia. Some leukemia types are more prevalent in children. Most cases of other types of leukemia are in adults.

Usually, leukemia affects white blood cells. Your white blood cells are effective infection-fighting agents; they typically grow and divide in an organized manner as required by your body. But in leukemia patients, the bone marrow makes an overwhelming number of aberrant, dysfunctional white blood cells.

Because the telltale symptoms of leukemia frequently point to unrelated disorders, specialists warn it can be challenging to diagnose the disease. Here, MailOnline lists a few of the most typical symptoms.

Feeling dizzy or lightheaded

According to Blood Cancer UK, one indication of leukaemia is a persistent sense of fatigue and lightheadedness.

Anemia can be brought on by a condition that damages blood cells and prevents your body from producing healthy red blood cells.

According to cancer charity Macmillan, this might make you feel exhausted and uncomfortable, which is easily mistaken for the flu.

Furthermore, doctors warn that it may cause you to feel faint or lightheaded as well as appear pale or washed out.

But many other illnesses could be to responsible for the same warning signs, much like with most cancer symptoms.

Keep getting infections

Another reason to see your doctor is if you frequently experience coughs and colds that last a long time or are challenging to get rid of.

It might be nothing, but it could potentially be a symptom of leukaemia.

This is due to the fact that it can prevent your body from producing white blood cells normally, just as it can impact how red blood cells are created.

Normally, white blood cells defend against illnesses and infections.

Consequently, having less of them may make you feel exhausted.

According to the NHS, low white blood cell counts can also cause mouth sores and a sore throat.

Bruising easily

Another possible sign of the illness is bleeding without a clear reason.

People may become more brittle than usual and bleed more easily than previously as a result.

According to Macmillan, a low platelet count is the cause of unusual bleeding, blood spots, or skin rashes.

In order to stop or slow down bleeding and aid in wound healing, platelets help form blood clots. Low concentrations of these can therefore result in atypical bruising.

Our bone marrow, the sponge-like tissue found inside our bones, is where platelets are created.

Bleeding gums

Low platelet counts can also cause irregular bleeding, much like they can cause bruises.

According to Cancer Research UK, bleeding gums can be a sign of the illness, for instance when brushing your teeth.

Heavy periods or other unusual bleeding, such as nosebleeds, might potentially raise a red flag.

Fever

Another early indication of cancer is having a high temperature.

Infections that spread quickly can result from a shortage of white blood cells.

However, nocturnal sweats are another potential indication, according to Blood Cancer UK.

It is “enough to soak through bedclothes and bedding,” according to Macmillan.

It happens as a result of the body’s battle with the cancer on the inside.

Swollen lymph nodes

Swollen glands in the armpit, groin, or neck can be an indication of a variety of disorders.

This may also apply to leukemia.

According to the NHS, these glands, also known as lymph glands or lymph nodes, may hurt to the touch.

Your body’s capacity to fend against infections depends heavily on your lymph nodes.

They typically swell up due to a bacterial or viral illness.

Even though cancer seldom results in swollen lymph nodes, you should see your doctor if you observe them to be swollen and do not have an infection.

Aching joints

Your joints and bones may hurt mildly or sharply if you have leukemia.

According to Cancer Research UK, this discomfort may get greater at different times of the day.

It can be felt in the ribs as well as the long bones of the arms and legs.

According to specialists, it’s frequently brought on by too many aberrant white blood cells accumulating in the bones, joints, or lymph nodes, which causes discomfort and swelling.

Some people may also experience left-side soreness below the ribcage, which is often brought on by spleen or liver hypertrophy.

Headaches

Brain tumors may cause frequent headaches and vision problems.

However, they can also be a sign of leukemia.

This is due to the fact that an extremely high white blood cell count might obstruct the brain’s tiniest blood channels.

According to Cancer Research UK, this may result in headaches.

Eye issues can also result from an excess of white blood cells, but this symptom is less typical, according to doctors.

Other Signs Are:

• Persistent fatigue, weakness
• Losing weight without trying
• Swollen lymph nodes, enlarged liver or spleen
• Recurrent nosebleeds
• Tiny red spots in your skin (petechiae)
• Excessive sweating, especially at night
• Bone pain or tenderness

 

Causes Of Leukemia

The precise causes of leukemia are unknown to scientists. It appears to be the result of both hereditary and environmental influences.

 

Risk Factors Of Leukemia

Factors that may increase your risk of developing some types of leukemia include:

• Previous cancer treatment. Certain varieties of leukemia are more likely to develop in people who have undergone specific forms of radiation and chemotherapy for other cancers.
• Genetic disorders. Leukemia development appears to be influenced by genetic anomalies. An elevated risk of leukemia is linked to specific genetic conditions, such as Down syndrome.
  
• Exposure to certain chemicals.  Some types of leukemia are more likely to develop when people are exposed to particular chemicals, such as benzene, which is used in the chemical industry and is present in gasoline.
• Smoking. Smoking cigarettes increases the risk of acute myelogenous leukemia.
• Family history of leukemia. If members of your family have been diagnosed with leukemia, your risk of the disease may be increased.

The majority of those with established risk factors, meanwhile, do not develop leukemia. Many leukemia patients also do not possess any of these risk factors.