LEUKEMIA (BLOOD CANCER) AND ITS TYPES

Leukemia

Leukemia is cancer that originates in blood-forming tissue. The disease is characterized by the uncontrolled growth of blood cells, usually white blood cells (leukocytes), in the bone marrow. White blood cells are a fundamental component of the body's immune response. The leukemia cells crowd out and replace normal blood and marrow cells.

Types of Leukemia:

There are four main types of leukemia:

• Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML) (Symptoms)
• Chronic Myeloid Leukemia (CML) (Symptoms)
• Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia (ALL) (Symptoms)
• Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL) (Symptoms)

Another type of leukemia, hairy cell leukemia, is a rare subtype of chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). It is caused by an increased number of lymphocytes and progresses very slowly. It is called “hairy” because of the appearance of the leukemia cells under a microscope.

The primary differences between the four main types of leukemia have to do with their rates of progression and where the cancer develops. "Chronic" leukemia cells do not mature all the way, so they are not as capable of defending against infections as normal lymphocytes. "Acute" leukemia cells begin to replicate before any immune functions have developed.

                             << Learn about Symptoms of Leukemia >>