Leukemia Types

Browse eMedTV's wide range of articles related to leukemia types including topics such as adult acute lymphoblastic leukemia, childhood aml, and chronic leukemia. Use the search box at the top-right corner of the page to find information about other health topics.

Description of Articles in Leukemia Types

As this eMedTV page explains, the four most common types of leukemia include chronic lymphocytic leukemia, chronic myeloid leukemia, acute lymphocytic leukemia, and acute myeloid leukemia. This article describes these types of leukemia in detail.

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).

Chronic leukemia is a slowly developing form of cancer that causes the production of abnormal blood cells. This eMedTV segment discusses types, causes, and symptoms of chronic leukemia, and describes tests used to diagnose the cancer.

Childhood leukemia is a form of cancer in which blood forming tissue produces abnormal blood cells. This eMedTV article describes the types of leukemia most common among children, including information about risk factors and symptoms.

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.

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.

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.

As explained in this eMedTV resource, chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is type of cancer in which the body produces too many white blood cells known as lymphocytes. This article offers an overview of CLL and links to additional information.

As discussed in this eMedTV segment, chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML) is a disease in which the bone marrow produces too many white blood cells known as granulocytes. This article provides an overview of CML and links to additional information.

Hairy cell leukemia is a rare type of cancer of the blood and bone marrow. This section of the eMedTV library provides an overview of hairy cell leukemia, including information about its symptoms, tests used to detect the disease, and its treatment.