Leukemia Specialist Doctor Explains Briefly about Leukemia Cancer

What is Leukemia?

Leukemia is a cancer of the blood, characterized by the rapid growth of abnormal blood cells. This uncontrolled growth happens in your bone marrow, where most of your body's blood is made. The word leukemia comes from the Greek words "white" (leukos) and "blood" (haema).

Blood Cancer (Leukemia)

Unlike other cancers, leukemia does not usually form a mass (tumor) that is visible on imaging tests such as X-rays or CT scans. There are many types of leukemia.

How Does Leukemia Develop?

Leukemia begins in the bone marrow, the soft spongy tissue in the inner cavity of your bones, where your body's blood cells are made. Mature, normal blood cells include:

• Red blood cells: cells that carry oxygen and other vital materials to all the tissues and organs of your body.

• White blood cells: blood cells that fight infection.

• Platelets: Cells that help your blood clot.

These blood cells begin as hematopoietic (hemo=blood, poise=make) stem cells. If blood cells were to continue to develop normally, the mature forms of these cells are as follows:

• Myeloid cells develop into red blood cells, platelets, and some types of white blood cells (basophils, eosinophils, and neutrophils).

• Lymphoid cells develop into some white blood cells (lymphocytes and natural killer cells).

These abnormal cells -- called leukemia cells -- begin to take over the space inside your bone marrow. They knock out cells trying to develop into healthy red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets.

How Does Leukemia Affect my Body?

Too many leukemia cells and too few normal cells are harmful for several reasons:

• Normal blood cells have little space and support inside your bone marrow to mature and multiply as leukemia cells overtake them.

• Fewer red blood cells, healthy white blood cells, and platelets are made and released into your blood. As a result, your body's organs and tissues will not receive the oxygen they need to function properly. Also, your body will not be able to fight off infection or form blood clots when needed.

What are the Different Types of Leukemia?

Healthcare providers classify leukemia based on how rapidly the disease worsens and whether the leukemia cells arise from myeloid cells or lymphoid cells.

Classification of Leukemia

Healthcare providers classify leukemia based on how fast it progresses and the type of blood cell involved.

At the Rate of Disease Progression

• Acute leukemia. Leukemia cells divide rapidly and the disease progresses rapidly. If you have acute leukemia, you will feel sick within a few weeks after the leukemia cells form. Acute leukemia is life-threatening and requires immediate medical attention. Acute leukemia is the most common cancer in children.

• Chronic leukemia. Some cells develop to the point where they function as the cells they were intended to be - but not to the extent of their normal counterparts. The disease usually worsens more slowly than acute leukemia. Chronic leukemia is more common in adults than in children.

By Cell Type

• Myelogenous (MY-uh-loo-juh-nuhs) or myeloid leukemia develops from myeloid cells. Normal myeloid cells develop into red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets.

• Lymphocytic leukemia develops from lymphoid cells. Normal lymphoid cells develop into white blood cells that are an important part of your body's immune system.

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