Leukemia is a type of cancer that affects the blood and bone marrow. It originates in the body’s blood-forming tissues, including the bone marrow and the lymphatic system. In leukemia, abnormal white blood cells are produced in large quantities and are unable to function properly. These abnormal cells, called leukemia cells, crowd out healthy blood cells, leading to various complications.
There are several types of leukemia, categorized based on the type of blood cell affected (lymphoid or myeloid) and how quickly the disease progresses (acute or chronic). The main types of leukemia include:
- Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL): This type of leukemia affects lymphoid cells and progresses rapidly. It is most common in children, but it can also occur in adults.
- Acute myeloid leukemia (AML): AML affects myeloid cells and progresses rapidly. It occurs in both children and adults, with increasing incidence with age.
- Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL): CLL affects lymphoid cells and progresses slowly. It is more common in older adults.
- Chronic myeloid leukemia (CML): CML affects myeloid cells and progresses slowly at first but may accelerate later. It occurs mainly in adults.
Symptoms of leukemia can vary depending on the type and stage of the disease but may include fatigue, weakness, frequent infections, fever, easy bruising or bleeding, swollen lymph nodes, and unintentional weight loss.
Treatment for leukemia typically involves chemotherapy, radiation therapy, targeted therapy, immunotherapy, or stem cell transplantation, depending on the type of leukemia and other factors such as the patient’s age and overall health. Early detection and prompt treatment are essential for improving outcomes and increasing survival rates for individuals with leukemia.