Risk Factors
Acute leukemia is a cancer that starts from the early version of white blood cells called lymphocytes in the bone marrow (the soft inner part of the bones, where new blood cells are made). Leukemia cells usually invade the blood fairly quickly. They can then spread to other parts of the body, including the lymph nodes, liver, spleen, central nervous system (brain and spinal cord), and testicles.
Acute Leukemia can be divided into two types:
- Acute myeloid leukemia –AML: is a cancer as a result of abnormalities in cells of the myeloid category. It is more common than lymphoblastic leukemia and can be found in people of all ages; however it is most prevalent in the elderly.
- Acute lymphoblastic leukemia – ALL: is a cancer as a result of abnormalities in cells of the lymphoid category. It is often found in younger or older patients. May be caused by lymphadenopathy and responds well to treatment comparably.
The onset of acute leukemia can be severe and sudden in the space of days or weeks and is directly affected by an increase of white blood cells. Patients will often experience rapid deterioration and should seek immediate treatment.
