Leukemia

What Is Leukemia?

Leukemia refers to a group of cancers that begin in the blood-forming tissues, such as the bone marrow and lymphatic system. The bone marrow produces progenitor cells that normally develop into red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. In leukemia, abnormal cells develop and multiply uncontrollably, crowding out healthy blood cells and disrupting normal blood production. There are four main types of leukemia, classified by whether the disease is acute (fast-growing) or chronic (slow-growing), and whether it originates in lymphoid or myeloid cells:

• Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia (ALL)
• Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML)
• Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL)
• Chronic Myeloid Leukemia (CML)

There are also less common forms, such as hairy cell leukemia. Because leukemia can vary greatly, diagnosis and treatment are highly individualized.

What Causes Leukemia?

Leukemia develops when genetic changes within blood-forming cells disrupt normal growth and division. While the exact cause is not always known, risk factors include:

• Aging
• Being male
• Smoking
• Family history of leukemia
• Genetic disorders (e.g., Down syndrome)
• Exposure to carcinogens
• Previous cancer treatment (chemotherapy or radiation therapy)
• High levels of radiation exposure

How Is Leukemia Detected?

Diagnosis often begins with a review of medical history, physical examination, and blood tests. In some cases, leukemia is first detected through routine blood work before symptoms appear. Signs that may alert a physician include:

• Abnormal levels of blood cells
• Enlarged lymph nodes
• Anemia (low red blood cell count)
• Enlarged liver or spleen

If leukemia is suspected, a bone marrow biopsy is typically performed to confirm the diagnosis. In certain cases, imaging studies may be used to assess involvement in other organs.

Signs and Symptoms of Leukemia

Leukemia symptoms vary depending on type and stage, and some chronic leukemias may cause few or no early symptoms. Common signs may include:

• Persistent fatigue or weakness
• Fever and/or chills
• Easy bleeding or bruising
• Frequent or severe infections
• Enlarged lymph nodes
• Enlarged liver or spleen
• Unexplained weight loss
• Pale appearance
• Tiny red skin spots (petechiae)

Because these symptoms can overlap with other conditions, it is important to consult your doctor for proper evaluation.

Stages of Leukemia

Unlike solid tumors, leukemia does not form discrete masses and is not staged by tumor size. Instead, staging depends on the type of leukemia and considers factors such as:

• White blood cell count and platelet count
• Presence of anemia
• Involvement of organs such as the liver and spleen
• Chromosomal or genetic abnormalities
• History of prior blood disorders
• Age and overall health

For example, CLL and CML use formal staging systems, while acute leukemias (ALL and AML) are typically classified by risk and response to treatment rather than traditional stages.

How Is Leukemia Treated?

Treatment varies by type of leukemia, its progression, and patient health. Options may include:

• Chemotherapy: The primary treatment for many types of leukemia.
• Immunotherapy: Helps the body’s immune system attack leukemia cells.
• Targeted therapy: Drugs that focus on specific genetic changes in leukemia cells.
• Stem cell transplant: Replaces diseased bone marrow with healthy cells.
• Radiation therapy: Used in certain cases to target affected areas.

When planning treatment, doctors consider:

• Your age, health, and lifestyle
• The type and stage of leukemia
• Any other medical conditions
• The urgency of treatment
• The likelihood of treatment success
• Possible side effects of each therapy

Open communication with your care team is essential to selecting the best approach for you.

Our Approach

At New York Cancer & Blood Specialists, we understand that a leukemia diagnosis can be overwhelming. Our team of hematology and oncology experts provides personalized, evidence-based care, guiding you through diagnosis, treatment, and beyond. We are here to support you and your loved ones at every step. If you or a loved one is experiencing symptoms that may be related to leukemia, please call us at (855) 528-7322 or request an appointment online.