Leukemia (American English) or leukaemia (British English) (from the Greek leukos - white, and haima -
blood) is a type of cancer of the blood or bone marrow characterized by an abnormal increase of white
blood cells. Leukemia is a broad term covering a spectrum of diseases. In turn, it is part of the even
broader group of diseases affecting the blood, bone marrow and lymphoid system, which are all known
as hematological neoplasms.
In 2000, approximately 256,000 children and adults around the world developed some form of
leukemia, and 209,001 died from it. About 90% of all leukemias are diagnosed in adults.
Today, one of the most dangerous and incurable condition seems to be cancer. It has no actual cure for
mostly of the tissues it affects, especially when it reaches vital organs such as heart, lungs or blood. The
blood tissue form of cancer is known as Leukemia and it represents a real life threat as it affects the
blood circulation meant to supply the whole body with vital nutriments.
Clinically and pathologically, leukemia is subdivided into a variety of large groups. The first division is
between its acute and chronic forms:
Acute leukemia is characterized by a rapid increase in the numbers of immature blood cells. Crowding
due to such cells makes the bone marrow unable to produce healthy blood cells. Immediate treatment is
required in acute leukemia due to the rapid progression and accumulation of the malignant cells, which
then spill over into the bloodstream and spread to other organs of the body. Acute forms of leukemia
are the most common forms of leukemia in children.
Chronic leukemia is characterized by the excessive build up of relatively mature, but still abnormal,
white blood cells. Typically taking months or years to progress, the cells are produced at a much higher
rate than normal cells, resulting in many abnormal white blood cells in the blood. Whereas acute
leukemia must be treated immediately, chronic forms are sometimes monitored for some time before
treatment to ensure maximum effectiveness of therapy. Chronic leukemia mostly occurs in older people,
but can theoretically occur in any age group.
Leukemia is in fact the consequence of an abnormality occurred in the form and number of leukocytes,
the blood white cells. Leucocytes are vital for the good functioning of the body as they have the role to
fight against all potential aggressions from the outside. They are the key to a good protection against
infections and when leukemia appears the cellular immunity decreases drastically leaving the body
unable to protect against damaging factors of any nature. multiple myeloma symptoms
An abnormal production and accumulation of white blood cells characterizes this disease. This form of
cancer starts to grow from the stem cells present in the bone marrow. Bone marrow is where blood cells
are made. When the cancerous cells reach the brain, other dangerous modifications appear such as
headaches, night sweats and neuropsychical problems. Cancerous Leukemia cells can be easily detected
under the microscope and the suspects of the disease are advised to undergo a bone marrow
examination. The onset of Leukemia is pointed out by swollen lymph nodes through the whole body,
especially around the neck and thigh. non hodgkins lymphoma prognosis
In a healthy human, the W.B.C will die after a certain period resulting in the growth of fresh. In this case,
they do not die easily and take-up space and continue to add-up. This crowding of bad cells, almost like
a fission reaction in an uncontrolled manner, does not allow the normal functioning of the good cells
and this result in sickness. mantle cell lymphoma life expectancy