Leukemia

Four major types

Leukemia can be either acute or chronic (medicine). Acute leukemia usually grows quickly. Chronic leukemia usually grows slowly.

Leukemia can also involve two different types of white blood cells. These are lymphoid cells and meyloid cells.

For this reason, all of the different forms of leukemia are categorized into four major types:

• Acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL) is the most common type of leukemia. It is common in young children but can also be seen in old people.
• Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is usually seen in people over the age of 55. It almost never affects children.
• Acute myelogenous leukemia (AML) occurs more commonly in adults, than in children.
• Chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML) occurs more commonly in adults, as we

  Leukemia can be either acute or chronic (medicine). Acute leukemia usually grows quickly. Chronic leukemia usually grows slowly.

  Leukemia can also involve two different types of white blood cells. These are lymphoid cells and meyloid cells.

  For this reason, all of the different forms of leukemia are categorized into four major types:

• Acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL) is the most common type of leukemia. It is common in young children but can also be seen in old people.
• Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is usually seen in people over the age of 55. It almost never affects children.
• Acute myelogenous leukemia (AML) occurs more commonly in adults, than in children.
• Chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML) occurs more commonly in adults, as well.

Causes and risk factors

• Ionizing radition
• Some kinds of chemical substances
• Some viruses
• Some genetic factors

Some of the viruses that are suspected to cause leukemia include:

• Human immunodeficiency virus or HIV
• Human T-lymphotropic virus

Fanconi anemia is also a risk factor for developing acute myelogenous leukemia.