The diagnosis is confirmed by blood tests and examination of the bone marrow. These tests are also performed at intervals to monitor the status of the disease. There are several types of leukemia. The first major distinction is between acute and chronic leukemia. A small proportion of leukemias can be attributed to known risk factors, of which ionizing radiation is the strongest.
Some risk factors appear specific to a particular type of leukemia.
Occasionally acute leukemia is associated with a genetic disorder. Immunologic factors appear to be more important in the development of this type of leukemia than in others. There is suggestive evidence of a higher risk of acute lymphoblastic leukemia in people with immunodeficiency disorders. Cancer's Window Looking out my window, I see life go on. I see birds fly by, Planes in the sky.