There are two types of leukemia: acute leukemia and chronic leukemia based on the speed of development and the persistence of the disorder. Leukemia can either be lymphocytic or myelogenous, judging by the types of stem cells.
By the levels that stem cells are able to reach in their development (stem cells that present anomalies still manage to partially develop and either resemble immature cells or complete, normal white blood cells), acute leukemia is different from chronic leukemia.
A form of cancer that develops very rapidly is acute leukemia. Through overpopulation of the blood with immature cells that are unable to fulfill the functions of normal blood cells, it’s manifested. The marrow is unable to produce normal quantities of red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets in the case of acute leukemia. A deficiency of normal red blood cells or anemia is also developed in patients who suffer from leukemia. While the lack of platelets facilitates inflammation and bleeding, a decreased number of white blood cells reduce the body’s ability of overcoming infections.
Compare to acute leukemia, chronic leukemia tends to develop slower. The body is able to produce blood cells that are more mature than those produced in acute leukemia in the case of chronic leukemia. They can’t fulfill their roles inside the organism and tend to cluster at different levels of the body even though these cells may appear incomplete. Also, they have a longer period of life.
A type of blood cell called B lymphocyte is affected by chronic leukemia of lymphocytic form. This disease interferes in the normal activity of the spinal marrow, facilitates the access of harmful cells to body organs and weakens the immune system. First, chronic lymphocytic leukemia occurs at the levels of bone marrow but through the bloodstream, can quickly spread to different organs and tissue.
Blood test and careful body examination usually can reveal the presence of chronic lymphocytic leukemia. Some patients may experience fatigue, lack of concentration, poor balance, memory loss, deterioration of vision and hearing, vertigos, body weakness, joint and bone pains while others may have no symptoms of the disease. Chronic leukemia requires immediate specific treatment and therapy, just like in other forms of the disease. If it is discovered quickly, the chances of fully overcoming this disease are considerably enhanced.