Leukemia

Leukemia - A type of cancer that develops in blood-forming tissue, such as the bone marrow. In leukemia, the production of white blood cells (leukocytes) accelerates to a disproportionately high level compared to other blood cells. Leukemia is classified according to the type of white blood cell that is affected (lymphoid or myeloid cells), and whether or not the disease is acute (fast-growing) or chronic (slow-growing).

The four main types of leukemia include: acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL), acute myelogenous leukemia (AML), chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), and chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML). Although people of any age may get leukemia, it is most common in adults over 60 years of age.

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