The Types of Leukemia
The cells that were removed for your biopsy are looked at more closely during special tests. These tests help tell what kind of leukemia you have. The type you have affects your choices for treatment.
Leukemia is put in a group depending upon the type of white blood cell it started in. Leukemia is also grouped by how quickly it grows. If it grows slowly, it’s called chronic. If it grows quickly, it’s called acute. The doctor can find out what kind of leukemia you have by looking at the bone marrow cells under a microscope.
Chronic Leukemia
People with chronic leukemia may not have any symptoms at first. The disease slowly gets worse as the number of cancer cells in the blood rises. Chronic leukemia is further split into 2 types. They’re named for the type of white blood cell affected.
Acute Leukemia
Acute leukemia cells multiply very quickly. People with this type usually have symptoms, such as fever, right away. Acute leukemia has 2 types. They’re named for the type of white blood cell affected.
These 4 main types of leukemia include many subtypes. Your doctor will tell you what type you have. Some grow fast, and some grow more slowly. Some are easier to treat than others.
Online Medical Reviewer:
Cheson, Bruce D. MD
Online Medical Reviewer:
Wujcik, Debra RN, MSN, AOCN®
Date Last Reviewed:
1/3/2005
Date Last Modified:
8/26/2005