Leukemia – Types and Symptoms
Leukemia is caused by an increase in the number of white blood cells in an individual’s body. These white blood cells outnumber the red blood cells and platelets, which the body requires to stay healthy. The extra white blood cells prove detrimental to the body. People who smoke, have undergone radiation therapy, or suffer from a genetic disorder are at a higher risk of suffering from leukemia. Leukemia is of various types and one needs to aware of the symptoms of different types of leukemia. Types of Leukemia Leukemia is classified into two types. The first classification is done based on how fast leukemia progresses. Type 1 Classification Acute Leukemia In this condition, abnormal blood cells operate like immature blood cells. They do not function properly and multiply at a very fast pace. Thus, the disease spreads across the body very rapidly. Timely treatment can cure or reduce the impact of acute leukemia; hence, one must attend to it immediately. Chronic Leukemia Chronic leukemia is of various kinds. In one type, many white blood cells are produced in the body, and in another, the body produces a lesser number of cells than it requires. Chronic leukemia is characterized by the presence of mature red blood cells.