Leukemia
Leukemia is a type of cancer found in your blood and bone marrow and is caused by the rapid production of abnormal white blood cells. These abnormal white blood cells are not able to fight infection and impair the ability of the bone marrow to produce red blood cells and platelets.
Types of leukemia
Leukemia can be either acute or chronic. Chronic leukemia progresses more slowly than acute leukemia, which requires immediate treatment.
Leukemia is also classified as lymphocytic or myelogenous (myeloid). Lymphocytic leukemia refers to abnormal cell growth in the marrow cells that become lymphocytes, a type of white blood cell that plays a role in the immune system. In myeloid leukemia, abnormal cell growth occurs in the marrow cells that mature into red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets.
The four broad types of leukemia are below. Click on a type to get more information on causes, symptoms, how its diagnosed, treatments, and other resources.