Leukemia Leukemia Leukemia is a malignant proliferation of cells arising in a single deranged stem cell and resulting in the overgrowth of certain cell lines. These malignant cells replace the bone marrow elements and collect in areas of the body such as lymph nodes, liver, and spleen. They eventually may be found in other tissued of the body and ultimately in the peripheral blood. The disease is classified as either acute or chronic. These classifications are based upon how the disease progresses within the individual patient.
Acute leukemia progresses in a quick and severe manner.
Acute leukemia presents microscopically with the majority of cellsas blasts, severe anemia, and markedly decreased platelets. Early detection and treatment is necessary in this disease. Chronic leukemia presents microscopically with the majority of mature cells, a mild anemia, and variable platelets. This classification breaks down the Acute Myelocytic into M1 through M6. Acute Lymphocytic into groups L1 through L3.