Leukemia is the general name given to a group of cancers that develop in the bone marrow. Leukemia originates in developing blood
cells that have undergone a malignant change. This means that they multiply in an uncontrolled way and do not mature properly, leaving them unable to function as they should. Most cases of leukemia originate in developing white cells. In a small number of cases leukemia develops in other blood-forming cells, for example in developing red
cells or developing platelets. Leukemia can also be either myeloid or lymphocytic. The terms myeloid and lymphocytic refer to the types of
cells in which the leukemia first started. Myeloid
stem cells develop into red cells, white
cells (neutrophils, eosinophil’s, basophils and monocytes) and platelets. Lymphoid
stem cells develop in two other types of white
cells called T-lymphocytes and B-lymphocytes. There are several different types and subtypes of leukemia. Leukemia can be either
acute or
chronic. Under normal conditions the
bone marrow contains a small number of immature cells, called blast cells. These immature blast
cells develop into mature white cells, red
cells and platelets which are eventually released into the blood stream. In people with acute leukemia, the diseased
bone marrow produces an excessive number of abnormal blast cells, called leukemic cells. These
cells accumulate in the
bone marrow interfering with the production of normal blood cells. Acute leukemia develops and progresses quickly and therefore needs to be treated as soon as it is diagnosed.
Relevant Topics in Medical Sciences