Published: 18 Jun 2025

ICD9: 208.9      ICD10: C95.90      ICD11: 2B33.4

Leukemia is a cancer of the blood and bone marrow.
It happens when the body produces abnormal white blood cells that crowd out healthy blood cells. These abnormal cells don't function properly and can lead to a variety of symptoms.

Here's a more detailed breakdown:

What it affects: Primarily the bone marrow, which is responsible for producing blood cells.

What happens: The bone marrow produces a large number of abnormal white blood cells (leukemia cells). These cells don't mature properly and don't work like normal white blood cells, which fight infection. These leukemia cells crowd out the healthy red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets that the body needs.

Types of Leukemia: Leukemia is broadly classified based on how quickly it progresses (acute vs. chronic) and the type of white blood cell involved (lymphocytic vs. myelogenous). This results in four main types:

Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia (ALL): Rapidly progressing leukemia that affects lymphocytes (a type of white blood cell). Most common in children.
Acute Myelogenous Leukemia (AML): Rapidly progressing leukemia that affects myeloid cells (which develop into red blood cells, platelets, and some white blood cells).
Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL): Slowly progressing leukemia that affects lymphocytes. Most common in older adults.
Chronic Myelogenous Leukemia (CML): Slowly progressing leukemia that affects myeloid cells.

Symptoms: Symptoms vary depending on the type of leukemia and how advanced it is. Common symptoms include:

Fatigue
Frequent infections
Easy bleeding or bruising
Bone pain
Swollen lymph nodes
Weight loss

Causes: The exact cause of most leukemias is unknown. However, certain factors can increase the risk, including:

Exposure to certain chemicals or radiation
Genetic disorders
Prior chemotherapy or radiation therapy

Diagnosis: Leukemia is usually diagnosed through blood tests and bone marrow biopsy.

Treatment: Treatment depends on the type of leukemia, the patient's age and overall health, and other factors. Common treatments include:

Chemotherapy
Radiation therapy
Stem cell transplant (bone marrow transplant)
Targeted therapy
Immunotherapy

Important Considerations:

Severity: Leukemia can be a very serious and life-threatening condition.
Prognosis: The prognosis (outlook) for leukemia varies greatly depending on the type, stage, and treatment response. Some types of leukemia are highly treatable, while others are more challenging.
Early Detection: Early detection and treatment can significantly improve the chances of survival.

Disclaimer: This information is for general knowledge and informational purposes only, and does not constitute medical advice. It is essential to consult with a qualified healthcare professional for any health concerns or before making any decisions related to your health or treatment.