Leukemia Topics
Normally, the bone marrow produces stem cells (immature cells) that develop into mature blood cells. There are 3 types of mature blood cells:
- Red blood cells carry oxygen and other materials to all tissues throughout the body
- White blood cells fight infection and disease
- Platelets prevent bleeding by causing formation of blood clots
Leukemia is cancer of blood-forming cells. Leukemia cells are an overgrowth of immature blood cells. Leukemia types are organized by the type of cell affected and how fast the cells grow.
- Acute leukemia involves an overgrowth of very immature blood cells. Due to lack of mature blood cells, this condition is life-threatening because of the high risk of severe anemia, infection and bleeding.
- Myelodysplastic Syndrome (MDS) occurs when the bone marrow does not function normally and is unable to produce adequate normal blood cells. The bone marrow cells affected include white blood cells, red blood cells and platelets. MDS eventually over time may develop into acute leukemia.
- Chronic leukemia involves an overgrowth of mature blood cells. People with chronic leukemia may develop anemia, but
For more detailed information regarding these and related diseases, please click the following topics:
Chronic Myeloproliferative Disorders
Leukemia, Adult Acute Lymphoblastic
Leukemia, Adult Acute Myeloid
Leukemia, Chronic Lymphocytic
Leukemia, Chronic Myelogenous
Leukemia, Hairy Cell
Myelodysplastic Syndrome
Myelodysplastic/Myeloproliferative Diseases