Leukemia Information
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What is Leukemia?
Leukemia a malignant disease (cancer) that originates in a cell in the marrow. Leukemia is characterized by the uncontrolled growth of developing marrow cells.
Acute leukemia is a rapidly progressing disease that results in the accumulation of immature, functionless cells in the marrow and blood. The marrow often can no longer produce enough normal red and white blood cells and platelets.
Anemia, a deficiency of red cells, develops in virtually all leukemia patients. The lack of normal white cells impairs the body's ability to fight infections. A shortage of platelets results in bruising and easy bleeding. Chronic leukemia progresses more slowly and permits greater numbers of more mature, functional cells to be made.
Types of Leukemia
The four major types of leukemia are: acute or chronic myelogenous leukemia and acute or chronic lymphocytic leukemia. The terms myelogenous or lymphocytic denote the cell type involved. Thus, four major types of leukemia are: acute or chronic myelogenous leukemia and acute or chronic lymphocytic leukemia.
Leukemia: The Facts
In the United States, about 2,000 children and 27,000 adults are diagnosed each year with leukemia. The incidence of leukemia is more common in men and boys than girls and women, and also more likely to occur in white people than black.
Exposure to high-energy radiation (such as World War II atomic bomb explosions) and intense exposure to low-energy radiation from electromagnetic fields (such as power lines and electric appliances like electric blankets) have also been linked to leukemia. Studies are being conducted to further understand this link.
Regardless of what type of leukemia you or a loved one may be facing, there is hope at Cancer Treatment Centers of America (CTCA). At CTCA, a team of cancer experts, assigned specifically to you, will work with you to determine which treatment plan best suits your needs and wishes.
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