Chronic Leukemias are a type of blood cancer that develops more slowly compared to acute leukemias. In chronic leukemia, abnormal white blood cells grow and accumulate in the blood and bone marrow over time, disrupting the production of healthy blood cells. Because it progresses gradually, chronic leukemia may not cause noticeable symptoms for many years, but timely diagnosis and treatment are essential to manage the condition effectively.
Chronic leukemias are broadly categorized into two main types based on the type of white blood cells affected
Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL): CLL primarily affects lymphoid cells, a type of white blood cell involved in immune defense. It is the most common type of leukemia in adults and usually progresses slowly.
Chronic Myeloid Leukemia (CML): CML affects the myeloid cells, which develop into red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. CML progresses in phases and is characterized by the presence of an abnormal chromosome called the Philadelphia chromosome.
Chronic leukemia often develops without noticeable symptoms in its early stages. As the disease progresses, common symptoms may include:
Because chronic leukemia progresses slowly, some patients may live with the disease for many years without significant symptoms, making regular health checkups crucial for early detection.
To diagnose chronic leukemias, a series of tests may be conducted, including:
Dr. Karthik Rengaraj is a renowned Hematology Consultant with over a decade of experience, specializing in advanced treatment for blood disorders, committed to compassionate care and innovative research.
Powered By
