leukemiaa

Leukemia is a cancer of blood-forming tissues, most often involving the bone marrow and the production of abnormal white blood cells. The spelling leukemiaa is not used in medical literature and may be a typographical variant of leukemia. This article discusses leukemia in general.

Leukemia is commonly classified by rate of progression (acute vs chronic) and by the lineage of the affected cells (lymphoid or myeloid). The main forms are acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), acute myeloid leukemia (AML), chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), and chronic myeloid leukemia (CML). These categories guide treatment and prognosis, as they reflect differences in biology and response to therapy.

Symptoms reflect bone marrow failure and infection risk, including fatigue, fever, easy bruising or bleeding, pallor, frequent infections, and bone or joint pain. Some patients may present with swollen lymph nodes, enlarged liver or spleen, or unexplained weight loss. The onset can be rapid in acute forms and gradual in chronic forms.

Diagnosis relies on blood tests (complete blood count and smear), bone marrow biopsy, and genetic studies. Flow cytometry and cytogenetics help determine subtype and prognosis. Staging is not uniform across leukemia types; treatment decisions depend on subtype, age, and overall health.

Treatment typically includes induction chemotherapy to achieve remission, followed by consolidation therapy. Targeted therapies, immunotherapy, and, in some cases, stem cell transplantation are used. Radiation is less common, reserved for specific situations. Supportive care includes transfusions and infection prevention.

Prognosis varies widely by type and patient factors. ALL and some AML in children have favorable outcomes with modern therapy, while CLL and CML have variable courses, especially in older adults. Known risk factors include certain genetic syndromes, prior chemotherapy, radiation exposure, and age.