Leukemia Staging
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Leukemia Staging
Leukemia occurs in the developing blood cells within the bone marrow. Other cancers are usually staged based on the size and spread of tumors. However, because leukemia involves the bone marrow, it typically does not form tumors. Therefore, stages of leukemia are often characterized by blood cell counts and the accumulation of leukemia cells in other organs, like the liver or spleen.
The acute types of leukemia (AML and ALL), are sometimes staged based on the type of cell involved and how the cells look under the microscope. This is called the French-American-British (FAB) classification system.
There are different methods for staging each of the four main types of leukemia, and some of the leukemias may be broken out into subtypes during the staging process. The treatment options are often based on the type and stage of the leukemia.
Lymphocytic leukemias (CLL and ALL) occur in a type of white blood cells called lymphocytes. The white blood cell count at the time of diagnosis may be used to help stage the leukemia. Likewise, the stages of myeloid leukemias (CML and AML) may be based on the number of "myeoblasts" (immature white blood cells) found in the blood or bone marrow.
Factors Affecting Leukemia Cancer Staging and Prognosis
- White blood cell or platelet count
- Age (advanced age may negatively affect prognosis)
- History of prior blood disorders
- Chromosome mutations or abnormalities
- Bone damage
- Enlarged liver or spleen
For more information on leukemia staging for specific types of leukemia, please visit the following links:
Fighting Leukemia at CTCA
At Cancer Treatment Centers of America (CTCA), our Oncology Information Specialists give clear explanations about staging and viable treatment options for leukemia. Call 888-841-9129 to talk with an Oncology Information Specialist about leukemia treatment at CTCA. Or, Chat Online. We're here for you 24 hours a day, every day of the year.
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