Leukemia is a blood and bone marrow condition that is known to interfere with the normal synthesis of blood cells. Normal blood cells have a finite lifespan and must be continuously replaced by new, immature cells to continue functioning. The bone marrow contains a particular kind of cell called a stem cell, which develops into the necessary blood cells for the body. These stem cells normally differentiate in a controlled manner into either red blood cells, white blood cells, or platelets. Leukemia interferes with the regular growth of blood cells and leads to an accumulation of immature cells that cannot function properly within the body.
There are 2 types of leukemia: acute leukemia and chronic leukemia, based on the rate of development and the enduring nature of the condition. Leukemia can be either lymphocytic or myelogenous depending on the stem cell types that are impacted by the disease.
The stages of development that stem cells can attain during the development of acute leukemia set it apart from chronic leukemia (stem cells that present anomalies still manage to partially develop and either resemble immature cells or complete, normal white blood cells).
The bone marrow in the bodies of those with acute myelogenous leukemia creates stem cells that develop into a type of immature white blood cell known as a myeloblast. This sort of blood cell cannot perform its designated function because it never fully matures. Myelogenous cells have a propensity to divide more quickly than healthy blood cells do, which makes it easier for infections, anemia, and a weakened immune system to occur. Infected cells can potentially spread to organs and other parts of the body.
Numerous people are given leukemia diagnoses, regardless of their age or gender. Some forms of leukemia tend to affect children more favorably than they do adults, who have a harder time dealing with the illness. Acute leukemia instances are about 10% more common than chronic leukemia cases.
Acute leukemia appears to have the greatest impact on older persons. Acute leukemia cases seem to affect people over the age of 60 in about two thirds of instances. A dangerous form of cancer that requires prompt treatment is leukemia. Leukemia can be successfully treated if caught early on and given the proper care.
Various Types of Acute Leukemia
