Leukemia is a type of cancer that affects the blood and bone marrow, leading to the abnormal production of white blood cells. There are several main types of leukemia, which are classified based on the type of white blood cell affected (lymphoid or myeloid) and whether the leukemia is acute or chronic. Here are the main types of leukemia:

 

  1. Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL): ALL is a type of leukemia that affects lymphoid cells, which are a type of white blood cell involved in the immune response. It is characterized by the rapid proliferation of immature lymphoblasts in the bone marrow and blood. ALL is more common in children, but it can also occur in adults.

  2. Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML): AML is a type of leukemia that affects myeloid cells, which give rise to red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. It is characterized by the rapid proliferation of immature myeloid cells in the bone marrow and blood. AML can occur at any age, but it is more common in older adults.

  3. Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL): CLL is a type of leukemia that affects lymphoid cells and is characterized by the gradual accumulation of mature but abnormal lymphocytes in the blood, bone marrow, and lymphoid tissues. CLL is typically a slow-progressing leukemia and is more common in older adults.

  4. Chronic Myeloid Leukemia (CML): CML is a type of leukemia that affects myeloid cells and is characterized by the presence of an abnormal chromosome called the Philadelphia chromosome, which results from a genetic mutation. CML is characterized by the overproduction of mature and immature myeloid cells. It can occur at any age but is more common in adults.

  5. Hairy Cell Leukemia (HCL): HCL is a rare type of leukemia that affects lymphoid cells and is characterized by the presence of abnormal B lymphocytes with hair-like projections on their surface. HCL progresses slowly and typically affects older adults