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Acute leukemia is cancer that starts in blood-forming tissue and progresses very quickly. As explained in this eMedTV article, there are two main types of acute leukemia: acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL) and acute myeloid leukemia (AML).
Acute lymphocytic leukemia accounts for about 3,800 new cases of leukemia each year. This section of the eMedTV archives describes acute lymphocytic leukemia, which is the most common type of leukemia in young children but can also affect adults.
In AML (acute myeloid leukemia), the myeloblasts (or leukemia cells) are abnormal and do not mature into healthy white blood cells. This eMedTV article describes AML in detail and has links to information about other types of leukemia, such as ALL.
Exposure to radiation and a history of myelodysplastic syndrome or aplastic anemia may affect the risk of developing childhood AML. This eMedTV article describes childhood AML in detail, including symptoms, risk factors, and treatment options.
Adult acute lymphoblastic leukemia (also known as ALL) accounts for about 3,800 new cases of leukemia each year. This eMedTV article discusses the risk factors, symptoms, stages, and treatments of adult acute lymphoblastic leukemia.
Adult acute myeloid leukemia is a type of cancer in which the bone marrow makes abnormal myeloblasts, red blood cells, or platelets. This eMedTV article describes adult acute myeloid leukemia, which affected an estimated 11,960 people in 2005.
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