Leukemia

Leukemia

Leukemia, a form of blood cancer, originates in the bone marrow, the soft tissue found in the core of bones where blood cells are produced.

The term "leukemia" literally translates to "white blood," as white blood cells (leukocytes) are essential for the body's immune response against infections and foreign invaders, all of which are manufactured in the bone marrow.

Leukemia results in an uncontrolled proliferation of white blood cells, disrupting the normal production of healthy red blood cells, platelets, and mature white blood cells (leukocytes), potentially leading to life-threatening complications.

The cancerous cells migrate to the bloodstream and lymph nodes, with the ability to metastasize to the brain, spinal cord (central nervous system), and other bodily organs.

Leukemias are categorized into two primary types:

• Acute leukemia, characterized by rapid progression
• Chronic leukemia, characterized by a slower progression

Specific types of leukemia include:

• Acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL)
• Acute myelogenous leukemia (AML)
• Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL)
• Chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML)
• Hairy cell leukemia