Acute leukemia is a cancer of the blood that develops quickly. It starts in the bone marrow and moves into the blood. Chronic leukemia is a cancer of the blood that develops slowly over time. It starts in the bone marrow and moves into the blood. Both forms of leukemia are serious, but they are treated differently. Acute leukemia is often treated with chemotherapy, while chronic leukemia may be treated with chemotherapy or radiation therapy.
What is Acute Leukemia?
Acute leukemia is a cancer of the blood and bone marrow. The word “acute” in acute leukemia comes from the Latin word for “sharp” or “sudden.” Acute leukemias are characterized by a rapid increase in the number of immature blood cells. These cells crowd out the normal cells in the bone marrow, making it difficult for the marrow to produce healthy blood cells. Acute leukemias can also spread to other parts of the body, such as the lymph nodes, liver, and brain. Acute leukemias are divided into two main types: lymphoblastic and myeloid. Lymphoblastic leukemia starts in the white blood cells known as lymphocytes. Myeloid leukemia starts in the white blood cells known as myelocytes.
What is Chronic Leukemia?
Chronic leukemia is a type of cancer that affects the blood and bone marrow. Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) and chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) are the two most common types of chronic leukemia. In CLL, the affected cells are a type of white blood cell called lymphocytes. In CML, the affected cells are myeloid cells, which give rise to all other types of blood cells. Chronic leukemia is different from acute leukemia, which is a more aggressive form of cancer that develops quickly.
Chronic leukemia generally progresses more slowly and may not cause symptoms for many months or years. When symptoms do occur, they can include fatigue, weight loss, night sweats, and increased susceptibility to infection. Chronic leukemia is usually treated with medication, but in some cases, a stem cell transplant may be necessary.
Difference between Acute and Chronic Leukemia
- Acute leukemia is a cancer of the blood and bone marrow that progresses rapidly, usually within a few months. Acute leukemia is characterized by an overproduction of immature blood cells, which crowd out healthy blood cells and prevent them from performing their normal functions. Acute leukemia is often treated with aggressive chemotherapy, which can be effective in inducing remission.
- However, relapse is common, and the disease is typically fatal if not treated promptly. Chronic leukemia, on the other hand, is a slower-progressing form of the disease. While it may take years to develop, chronic leukemia typically does not require immediate treatment. In some cases, chronic leukemia can be managed with regular monitoring and lifestyle changes.
- However, if the disease progresses or causes symptoms, treatment may be necessary. The most common treatment for chronic leukemia is targeted therapy, which uses drugs to specifically target cancer cells while sparing healthy cells. While there is no cure for chronic leukemia, targeted therapy can often help to control the disease and improve quality of life.
Conclusion
Acute leukemia is a cancer of the blood in which the bone marrow makes abnormal white blood cells. These white blood cells are not able to fight infection, and they can crowd out healthy cells in the bone marrow. This can cause serious health problems. Chronic leukemia is a cancer of the blood in which too many immature white blood cells are made over a long period of time. The number of these white blood cells may slowly build up in the body, making it harder for the bone marrow to make enough red blood cells, platelets, and other types of immune system cells.
