A Patient’s Guide to Leukemia
Published by Dr. Kasturi Mandal | Last updated: September 2025
What Is Leukemia?
Leukemia is a cancer of the blood and bone marrow, where the body produces abnormal white blood cells that do not function properly. These cancer cells crowd out healthy blood cells, leading to problems with immunity, oxygen delivery, and blood clotting.
Types of Leukemia
Leukemia is classified by how quickly it progresses (acute vs. chronic) and the type of white blood cell affected (lymphoid or myeloid).
| Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL) | Fast-growing; affects lymphoid cells; most common in children but can occur in adults. |
| Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML) | Fast-growing; affects myeloid cells; more common in adults. |
| Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL) | Slow-growing; affects lymphoid cells; usually in older adults. |
| Chronic Myeloid Leukemia (CML) | Slow-growing at first; affects myeloid cells; may become acute over time. |
Common Symptoms
Symptoms can be vague and mimic other conditions, but often include fatigue, weakness, frequent infections, fever, night sweats, easy bruising or bleeding, and bone pain. An enlarged liver or spleen may cause a feeling of fullness in the abdomen.
Diagnosis & Treatment
A definitive diagnosis requires a **bone marrow biopsy**. This, along with blood tests and genetic analysis, helps to confirm the type of leukemia and guide treatment. Treatment is highly dependent on the specific type:
- Acute Leukemias: Require immediate and intensive treatment, usually starting with chemotherapy. The goal is to achieve a cure or long-term remission.
- Chronic Leukemias: May not require immediate treatment ("watch and wait"). When treatment is needed, it often involves targeted therapies (like tyrosine kinase inhibitors for CML) or immunotherapies designed to control the disease long-term.
For high-risk or relapsed cases, a **stem cell transplant** may be recommended as a potentially curative option.
Living with Leukemia
Living with leukemia involves managing treatment side effects and protecting against infection. Good hygiene, a balanced diet, and open communication with your hematologist are key. Emotional support from counselors or patient groups can also be invaluable.