Leukemia is a type of cancer that affects the blood-forming tissues like the bone marrow and lymphatic system. The common symptoms of this condition are bruising, fatigue, and weight loss, among others. It may occur due to problems with the production of blood cells.

Types of leukemia

There are four types of leukemia:

• Acute lymphocytic leukemia
• Chronic lymphocytic leukemia
• Acute myeloid leukemia
• Chronic myeloid leukemia

Acute lymphocytic leukemia

In acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL), the word “acute” refers to the rapid progression of the disease. This condition results in the production of immature blood cells. The word “lymphocytic” refers to the type of white blood cells called lymphocytes which are affected by this form of cancer. Although acute lymphocytic leukemia is the most common type of cancer in children, its treatment is efficient and successful in most cases. It may also affect adults, though the treatment in adults is not as effective as that in the case of children.

ALL is the result of the bone marrow cells developing errors in their DNA. As a result of this, the malignant cells grow uncontrollably, causing abnormal blood cell production and obstruction in the growth of healthy cells. This type of cancer is not genetic.

Chronic lymphocytic leukemia

Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is a type of leukemia that affects the blood and bone marrow. The word “chronic” refers to the recurrence and slow progression of the disease through the body. It only affects the lymphocytes which protect the body from external antigens. This type of leukemia mostly affects older adults, but treatments are available to control the disease.

The symptoms of CLL are exhibited in the late stages. Some symptoms of this condition are enlarged lymph nodes, fever, fatigue, enlarged spleen, and frequent infections. CLL can increase the patient’s chances of developing other types of cancer. Sometimes, people with CLL may develop a more aggressive form of cancer called Richter’s syndrome.

Acute myeloid leukemia

Of all the types of leukemia, acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is the most dangerous one. Just like ALL, this type of cancer spreads quickly, leading to the production of immature blood cells that function incorrectly. Other names for this type of cancer are acute myelocytic leukemia, acute myelogenous leukemia, acute granulocytic leukemia, and acute non-lymphocytic leukemia. This type of cancer affects the non-lymphocytic cells like red blood cells, platelets, and other types of white blood cells like monocytes and neutrophils. Although it’s impossible to prevent or predict the occurrence of AML, the risk of this developing this condition can be reduced by avoiding cigarettes and exposure to harsh chemicals and radiation.

Chronic myeloid leukemia

Chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) is a rare and slow-progressing form of leukemia that affects the non-lymphocytic blood cells, including the red blood cells and platelets. It may occur at any age but mostly affects older adults. Thanks to recent advances in treatment for CML, a patient with this condition has a greatly improved prognosis.

The symptoms of CML are bone pain, excessive perspiration, loss of appetite, fever, and fatigue. This condition occurs due to abnormalities in the chromosomes or because a new gene allows for the production of too many diseased blood cells.