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Leukemia is divided into four categories. It can be myelogenous or lymphocytic and acute (fast growing) or chronic (slow growing). Acute leukemia is fast-growing and can overrun the body within a few weeks or months. By contrast, chronic leukemia is slow-growing and progressively worsens over years. The terms myelogenous or lymphocytic denote which type of while blood cell is involved. Acute myelogenous leukemia (AML): Acute myelogenous leukemia (AML), also called acute nonlymphocytic leukemia, is the most common type of leukemia. AML occurs in children and adults. AML is fast growing and requires aggressive treatment. Acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL): Acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL) is the most common type of leukemia in young children. ALL accounts for 80% of all childhood leukemias. ALL is also fast growing and requires aggressive treatment. Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL): Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is a common adult leukemia. CLL is more common in Jewish people of Russian or Eastern European descent. It almost never affects children. Individuals with CLL may be well for years without treatment. Chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML): Chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML) is a type of leukemia that mainly affects adults. CML is associated with a chromosome abnormality called the Philadelphia chromosome, which creates an abnormal gene called BCR-ABL. The BCR-ABL gene produces an abnormal protein called tyrosine kinase that doctors and researchers believe causes leukemia cells to grow and develop. Before treatment, an individual with CML may have few or no symptoms for months or years before entering a phase in which the leukemia cells grow more quickly. Other chronic myeloid disorders: Like CML, this group of diseases causes chronic leukemia by the creation of too few or too many myeloid cells (a type of white blood cell). Chronic myeloid disorders include myelodysplastic syndromes and myeloproliferative disorders such as essential thrombocythemia, polycythemia vera, and myelofibrosis. These conditions may cause fluctuations in white blood cell levels and lead to acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Acute vs. chronic leukemia: Acute leukemia is a rapidly progressing disease that results in the accumulation of immature leukocytes (white blood cells) in the marrow and blood. The marrow often can no longer produce enough normal red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. Anemia, a deficiency of red cells, develops in virtually all leukemia patients. The lack of normal white cells impairs the body's ability to fight infections. A shortage of platelets results in bruising and easy bleeding. Therefore, acute leukemia needs to be treated immediately; otherwise, the disease may be fatal within a few months. Fortunately, some subtypes of acute leukemia respond very well to available therapies and they are curable. Children often develop acute forms of leukemia, which are managed differently from leukemia in adults. Chronic leukemia progresses more slowly and allows greater numbers of more mature, functional cells to be made. Unlike acute leukemia, chronic leukemia does not always require treatment. For older adults or people with early-stage CLL and few troublesome symptoms, the risks associated with the disease do not warrant the risks and discomfort associated with treatment, such as nausea, fatigue, and infection. If symptoms change or worsen, the individual can discuss treatment options with their doctor.
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