Leukemia is a type of cancer that affects the blood and bone marrow. It begins in a cell in the bone marrow that undergoes a change and becomes a type of leukemia cell. Once the marrow cell undergoes a leukemic change, the leukemia cells may grow and survive better than normal cells. Over time, the leukemia cells crowd out or suppress the development of normal cells.

Leukemia is characterized by the rapid growth of abnormal blood cells. It is cancer of the bodys blood-forming tissues, including the bone marrow and the lymphatic system. Many types of leukemia exist, and they are grouped in two ways: the type of white blood cell affected (lymphoid or myeloid) and how quickly the disease develops and gets worse (acute or chronic) .

In people with leukemia, the bone marrow produces an excessive amount of abnormal white blood cells, which dont function properly. The abnormal blood cells are immature blood cells (blasts) in acute leukemia, and they cant carry out their normal functions. They multiply rapidly, so the disease worsens quickly. Acute leukemia requires aggressive, timely treatment. Chronic leukemia involves more-mature blood cells, and there are many types of chronic leukemias. Some produce too many cells, and some cause too few cells to be produced.

Leukemia can affect anyone, but it’s more common among people who are older, have a genetic disorder like Down syndrome, or have been exposed to intense radiation or certain chemicals such as benzene. The symptoms of leukemia tend to be mild at first and worsen slowly. The main symptoms include tiredness and/or anemia, repeated infections, increased bruising and bleeding, and bone pain. Other less common symptoms include swollen, tender gums, skin rashes, headaches, vision problems, vomiting, enlarged lymph glands, enlarged spleen that may cause pain or discomfort, and chest pains.

Treatment for leukemia can be complex and depends on the type of leukemia and other factors. Treatments for leukemia include tyrosine kinase inhibitory therapy, chemotherapy, biologic therapy, and high-dose therapy with stem cell transplant. After diagnosis and treatment, many people with leukemia live many good, quality years.