PDF Understanding Leukemia
The leukemia is called "lymphocytic" or "lymphoblastic" if the cancerous change takes place in a type of marrow cell that forms "lymphocytes." The leukemia is called "myelogenous" or "myeloid" if the cell change takes place in a type of marrow cell that normally goes on to form red cells, some kinds of white cells and platelets.
Understanding Leukemia will help you talk to your doctor about tests and treatment. Members of your healthcare team will answer your questions and give support and any needed referrals. Let your doctor know if you want a professional healthcare interpreter who speaks your native language or uses sign language. Many times, this is a free service.
Key Details About Understanding Leukemia
Understanding Leukemia -- Diagnosis and Treatment Written by WebMD Editorial Contributors Medically Reviewed by Laura J. Martin, MD on February 27, 2026 4 min read
This information from the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society explains the different types of leukemia including diagnosis, treatment options, and clinical trials to patients and their families.
Useful Notes on Understanding Leukemia
Leukemia is a type of blood cancer that affects your bone marrow, which makes blood. Learn more about the symptoms, causes, diagnosis, and treatment of leukemia .
But in people with leukemia , the bone marrow produces an excessive amount of abnormal white blood cells, which don't function properly. Treatment for leukemia can be complex — depending on the type of leukemia and other factors. But there are strategies and resources that can help make your treatment successful.
Leukemia Information
Learn more about leukemia , including symptoms, types, survival rates and risk factors. Read about advances at the OHSU Knight Cancer Institute, including how Gleevec dramatically increased survival for chronic myeloid leukemia (CML).
Leukemia Leukemia is a cancer of the early blood-forming cells. Most often, leukemia is a cancer of the white blood cells, but some leukemias start in other blood cell types. There are several types of leukemia , which are divided based mainly on whether the leukemia is acute (fast growing) or chronic (slower growing), and whether it starts in myeloid cells or lymphoid cells. Different types of ...
LeukemiaPatient Version
Leukemia is a broad term for cancers of the blood cells. The type of leukemia depends on the type of blood cell that becomes cancer and whether it grows quickly or slowly. Start here to find information on leukemia treatment, research, and statistics.
