Leukemia

It is a cancer of the blood or bone marrow characterized by an abnormal increase of immature white blood cells called “blasts”. There are two forms of leukemia:

Acute leukemia is identified by a rapid increase in the number of immature blood cells. Congestion due to immature blood cells makes the bone marrow unable to produce healthy blood cells. Prompt treatment is required in acute leukemia due to the rapid progression and accumulation of the cells, which then leak into the bloodstream and spread to other organs of the body. Acute forms of leukemia are the most common forms of leukemia in children.

Chronic leukemia is identified by the rapid increase of relatively mature, but still abnormal, white blood cells. It may take months or years to progress, the cells are produced at a much higher rate than normal, resulting in many abnormal white blood cells.

Acute leukemia must be treated immediately while chronic forms have been monitored for some time before treatment to ensure maximum effectiveness of therapy. Chronic leukemia mostly occurs in older age, but can theoretically occur at any age group. Leukemia is a treatable disease. Most treatments involve chemotherapy, medical radiation therapy, or hormonal treatments.