Conditions & Diseases: Cancer: Leukemia Learning Center

Leukemia

Leukemia Learning Center : Introduction

Leukemia is a cancer of the blood and bone marrow characterized by an increased number of abnormal white blood cells (called leukocytes) in the blood and blood-forming organs -bone marrow and spleen. The role of white blood cells is to engulf and "digest" bacteria and fungi, which is an important part of the body's defence system. When white blood cells become leukemic, they do not peform this function. They can also interfere with the normal development of red blood cells and platelet cells in the bone marrow.

Leukemia is a broad term that covers four types of malignant blood disease (cancer). These 4 types are then broken down further into sub-types.

Normal blood cells are produced by bone marrow. The bone marrow can be found in the center of most bones and produces a type of cell called stem cells. These stem cells are immature cells that develop into three types of mature blood cells.

1. Red blood cells, which carry the oxygen to all the body tissues.

2. White blood cells, which fight against infections.

3. Platelets, which control the bleeding by forming blood clots.

Leukemia occurs when too many stem cells develop into abnormal white blood cells (immature white blood cells) called leukemia cells or blasts. Besides ceasing their infection fighting qualities and the production of red blood cells and platelets, leukemia cells can cause the lymph nodes, liver, and spleen to enlarge.

Leukemia is broken down by it's DURATION:

• Acute: rapid onset, short course
• Chronic: slow development, long course

And WHERE it takes place:

• Lymphocytic (also called lymphoblastic): in a type of bone marrow cell that forms lymphocytes (a type of leukocyte, white blood cell, that is suppose to increase in number when it's necessary to fight infection).
• Myelogenous (also called myeloid): in a type of bone marrow cell that that normally goes on to form red cells, white blood cells that are NOT lymphocytic, and platelets.

Therefore, there are four main types of Leukemia which include:

1. Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia
2. Chronic Myelogenous Leukemia
3. Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia
4. Acute Myeloid Leukemia
5. Hairy Cell Leukemia (subtype of CLL)

Article by Alina Morrow, MS
Medical Writer
OmniMedicalSearch.com

Leukemia is sometimes misspelled as lukemia or luekemia.

Page Covers: What is Leukemia?

Overview | Conditions & Diseases | Sitemap | Toolbar
Add OmniMedicalSearch.com To Your Favorite's Folder

Copyright © OmniMedicalSearch.com

OmniMedicalSearch does not provide medical advice and the Medical Conditions & Diseases section is for informational purposes only. Please see our Medical Disclaimer and always consult with your physician.