Leukemia

Leukemia is a cancer of the blood cells and is characterized by blood cells that grow abnormally and/or uncontrollably. There are four main types of leukemia: acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL), chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), acute myelogenous leukemia (AML), and chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML). AML is the most common form of leukemia in adults, and ALL is the most common form in children. More than 45,000 new cases of leukemia are diagnosed in the United States each year, and survival rates vary depending on the patient's age, the type of leukemia, and the diagnosis stage. Causes of leukemia include smoking and occupational exposure to benzene or high levels of radiation. Men have a higher risk of developing leukemia than women. Symptoms include fever, fatigue, night sweats, loss of appetite, and weight loss. Treatments include chemotherapy, radiation, and stem cell transplantation.