Myelogenous leukemia

Myelogenous leukemia is a type of cancer that originates in the bone marrow, the soft inner part of the bones where new blood cells are made. It is characterized by the rapid growth of abnormal white blood cells that accumulate in the bone marrow and interfere with the production of normal blood cells. Myelogenous leukemia is further classified into two main types: Chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML) and Acute myelogenous leukemia (AML).

Types

Chronic Myelogenous Leukemia

Chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML) is a slow-progressing disease that typically affects older adults. It is caused by a genetic mutation that occurs in the stem cells within the bone marrow. The hallmark of this disease is the presence of the Philadelphia chromosome, a genetic abnormality that results in the production of a protein called BCR-ABL. This protein promotes the growth of leukemia cells.

Acute Myelogenous Leukemia

Acute myelogenous leukemia (AML) is a fast-progressing disease that can occur at any age, but it is more common in adults than in children. AML is characterized by the rapid growth of immature white blood cells (myeloblasts) in the bone marrow. This leads to anemia, infection, and bleeding as the bone marrow is crowded out by the abnormal cells.

Symptoms

The symptoms of myelogenous leukemia depend on the type of leukemia and may include fatigue, weight loss, night sweats, and frequent infections. In some cases, the disease may be discovered during routine blood tests before symptoms appear.

Diagnosis

The diagnosis of myelogenous leukemia is typically made through blood tests, bone marrow biopsy, and genetic testing. The presence of the Philadelphia chromosome or other genetic abnormalities can confirm the diagnosis.

Treatment

The treatment of myelogenous leukemia depends on the type of leukemia, the patient's age and overall health. Treatment options may include chemotherapy, radiation therapy, stem cell transplant, and targeted therapies that specifically attack the leukemia cells.

Prognosis

The prognosis for myelogenous leukemia varies depending on the type of leukemia, the patient's age and overall health, and the response to treatment. With modern treatments, many patients with CML can expect to live normal life spans. The prognosis for AML is generally less favorable, but advances in treatment are improving survival rates.

See Also

• Leukemia
• Cancer
• Bone marrow
• Blood cell
• Chemotherapy
• Radiation therapy
• Stem cell transplant