What is leukemia cancer

Chronic leukemias are rare in children. We depend on donations to keep our cancer information available for the people who need it most. Cancer A-Z. Types of Leukemia. Acute Myeloid Leukemia AML in Adults Acute myeloid leukemia is also called acute myelocytic leukemia, acute myelogenous leukemia, acute granulocytic leukemia, acute non-lymphocytic leukemia, or sometimes just AML. Chronic Myeloid Leukemia CML Chronic myeloid leukemia CML , also known as chronic myelogenous leukemia, is a type of cancer that starts in the blood-forming cells of the bone marrow and invades the blood.

Leukemia in Children Leukemia is the most common cancer in children and teens, accounting for almost 1 out of 3 cancers. Researchers do not know what exactly causes leukemia. However, there are some risk factors for developing this cancer. Some of these risk factors include :. The causes of leukemia are not currently known. However, several factors that may increase your risk have been identified. These include :. Leukemia is usually treated by a hematologist-oncologist.

These are doctors who specialize in blood disorders and cancer. The treatment depends on the type and stage of the cancer. Some forms of leukemia grow slowly and do not need immediate treatment. However, treatment for leukemia usually involves one or more of the following :.

Leukemia may be suspected if you have concerning symptoms or certain risk factors. A doctor will begin by looking at your complete history and performing a physical examination. However, leukemia cannot be fully diagnosed by a physical exam. Instead, doctors will make a diagnosis using:.

A diagnosis is typically confirmed using a bone marrow biopsy and aspiration. There are a number of different tests that can be used to diagnose leukemia. Looking at your blood under a microscope can also determine if the cells have an abnormal appearance.

Tissue biopsies can be taken from the bone marrow or lymph nodes to look for evidence of leukemia. These small samples can identify the type of leukemia and its growth rate. Biopsies of other organs, such as the liver and spleen, can show if the cancer has spread. Niederhuber JE, et al.

Abeloff's Clinical Oncology. American Society of Hematology. Warner KJ. Allscripts EPSi. Mayo Clinic. July 9, Pruthi RK expert opinion. Related Infographic: Blood Cancer Awareness. Associated Procedures Biological therapy for cancer Bone marrow biopsy Bone marrow transplant Chemotherapy Radiation therapy Show more associated procedures.

Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn. Learn more about this top honor. Mayo Clinic Press Check out these best-sellers and special offers on books and newsletters from Mayo Clinic. The cancer cells are large and have features of either T lymphocytes or another type of lymphocyte called natural killer NK cells.

Most LGL leukemias are slow-growing, but a small number are more aggressive they grow and spread quickly. Drugs that suppress the immune system may help, but the aggressive types are very hard to treat. Hairy cell leukemia HCL : This is rare cancer of the lymphocytes that tends to progress slowly. The cancer cells are a type of B lymphocyte but they're different from those seen in CLL. There are also important differences in symptoms and treatment. This type of leukemia gets its name from the way the cells look under the microscope -- they have fine projections on their surface that make them look "hairy.

What is leukemia? What is a chronic leukemia? What is a lymphocytic leukemia? So it may take a long time before the patient needs treatment. The other kind of CLL grows faster and is a more serious disease.