Leukemia progresses and affects the white blood cells. Lymphoblastic leukemia or lymphoid or lymphocytic leukemia develops in white blood cells, lymphocytes, in the bone marrow. Myelogenous, known as myeloid leukemia, can begin in the white blood cells apart from lymphocytes, platelets, and red blood cells. Based on how rapidly it gets worse or develops, this disease is categorized as either fast-growing or slow-growing.
The slow-growing diseases are known as chronic leukemia, whereas the fast-growing ones are acute leukemia. Here are the main leukemia types:
1. Acute leukemia
Acute leukemia progresses rapidly. As a result, the accumulated immature blood cells do not function in the bone marrow. In this case, the cell starts to reproduce and build up in the bone marrow, thereby reducing the ability of the marrow to form a sufficient number of healthy blood cells. On the other hand, chronic leukemia will progress slowly, resulting in the accumulation of mature yet abnormal white blood cells.
Acute leukemia replaces healthy cells and produces functional lymphocytes that have leukemia cells that cannot mature properly. The leukemia cells are transported via the bloodstream to various tissues or organs, such as the testes, lymph nodes, liver, and brain. There, they continue growing and dividing, causing various symptoms.
2. Acute myeloid leukemia
Acute myelogenous leukemia is also known as acute myeloid leukemia, acute nonlymphocytic leukemia, acute granulocytic leukemia, or acute myeloblastic leukemia. It is that type of bone marrow and blood cancer that grows rapidly.
3. Chronic lymphocytic leukemia
Chronic lymphocytic leukemia progresses slowly and starts in the lymphocytes in the bone marrow and spreads in the blood. This condition can also spread to organs, such as the spleen, liver, and lymph nodes. It develops when a lot of abnormal lymphocytes grow and overwhelm the normal blood cells. As a result, the body cannot tackle the infection.
Chronic myeloid leukemia or chronic myelogenous leukemia starts in the blood by producing cells of the bone marrow. With time, it can spread to the blood. Gradually, this disease can extend to the rest of the body as well.
4. Hair cell leukemia
Chronic lymphocytic leukemia has a rare subcategory known as hairy cell leukemia. This develops when the marrow of the bone produces excess lymphocytes or B cells. B cells are a type of white blood cells that fight infection. As the count of the leukemia cells start increasing, the lesser platelets, red blood cells, and white blood cells are produced.
If one experiences any symptoms of leukemia, they should be tested. Sometimes, the symptoms of leukemia are similar to other conditions and may not be diagnosed easily. However, it is safe to get yourself checked for all possibilities so that the treatment can be effective.
