How Is Leukemia Classified?
Leukemia can be classified based on which type of cells are affected and how quickly the disease progresses.
Based on the speed of progression, there are two forms of leukemia:
– Acute leukemia: In this form, the affected blood cells are immature. They cannot function properly and grow quickly, which makes the condition worsens rapidly. It requires timely and aggressive treatments.
– Chronic leukemia: This form involves more-mature cells. They would function properly for a period and tend to build up or replicate more slowly. In some cases, chronic leukemia does not show any early signs and may go undiagnosed for a long period.
Based on the affected white blood cells, leukemia can be divided into:
– Myelogenous leukemia: This form affects the myeloid cells, which are important for the production of platelets, white blood cells, and red blood cells.
– Lymphocytic leukemia: This form affects the lymphocytes, which produce lymphatic tissue that makes up the immune system. [3]
