Fact About Leukemia

What is leukemia:

Leukemia or leukaemia (Greek leukos λευκός, "white"; aima αίμα, "blood") is a cancer of the blood or bone marrow and is characterized by an abnormal proliferation (production by multiplication) of blood cells, usually white blood cells (leukocytes). It is part of the broad group of diseases calleLeukemia
Classification & external resources

A Wright's stained bone marrow aspirate smear of patient with precursor B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia. ICD-10 C91.-C95. ICD-9 208.9 ICD-O: 9800-9940 DiseasesDB 7431 MeSH D007938d hematologic

Classification

• Acute leukemia is characterized by the rapid increase of immature blood cells. This crowding makes the bone marrow unable to produce healthy blood cells. Acute forms of leukemia can occur in children and young adults. (In fact, it is a more common cause of death for children in the US than any other type of malignant disease). Immediate treatment is required in acute leukemias 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. Central nervous system (CNS) involvement is uncommon, although the disease can occasionally cause cranial nerve palsies.