Leukemia: types, symptoms, and diagnostic overview

Leukemia is a group of hematological diseases that affect blood cells, typically originating in the bone marrow. The condition occurs when bone marrow cells undergo alterations that cause them to multiply abnormally and fail to mature correctly. These leukemic cells can progressively displace healthy cells responsible for producing red blood cells, platelets, and white blood cells.

According to Dr. Adolfo de la Fuente, head of Hematology and Hemotherapy at MD Anderson Cancer Center Madrid – Hospiten, the consequences of this displacement include anemia (causing fatigue or shortness of breath), decreased platelets (leading to bruising or bleeding), and white blood cell alterations that increase infection risks. He notes that leukemia does not always result in high leukocyte counts; depending on the specific type, levels may be high, normal, or low.

There are four primary types of leukemia: acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), acute myeloid leukemia (AML), chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), and chronic myeloid leukemia (CML). The main distinctions involve the speed of progression and the type of blood cell involved. Acute leukemias progress rapidly and require urgent treatment, whereas chronic leukemias evolve more slowly and may sometimes be diagnosed even in the absence of symptoms.