Leukemia

The major forms of leukemia are divided into four categories. Myelogenous and lymphocytic leukemia each have acute and chronic forms. The terms myelogenous or lymphocytic denote the cell type involved.

Acute leukemia is a rapidly progressing disease that affects mostly cells that are unformed or primitive (not yet fully developed or differentiated). These immature cells cannot carry out their normal functions.

Chronic leukemia progresses slowly and permits the growth of greater numbers of more developed cells. In general, these more mature cells can carry out some of their normal functions.

Thus, the four major types of leukemia are: acute or chronic myelogenous, and acute or chronic lymphocytic leukemia.

Major Types of Leukemia

Acute Myelogenous Leukemia
Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia
Chronic Myelogenous Leukemia
Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia


The ability to measure specific features of cells has led to further subclassification of the major categories of leukemia. The categories and subsets allow the physician to decide what treatment works best for the cell type and how quickly the disease may develop.