Leukemia is a form of cancer that is of the bone marrow and blood. The cells from the cancer build up over time and block out all of the normal blood cells that the body needs. There are two different types of leukemia, acute and chronic, they are named based on the stem cells affected and how fast the illness spreads. 

Lymphoid stem cells produce different types of blood cells that help the body fight disease. Leukemia that affects the lymphoid stem cells can be considered chronic/acute leukemia. Chronic leukemia is named simply for the fact that it develops more slowly than other types of cancer. Acute leukemia gets its name because it typically grows more rapidly which leads to symptoms and can get worse fast if not treated. 

Myeloid stem cells produce myeloblasts that also produce white blood cells as well as red blood cells and platelets. Red blood cells carry oxygen from the lungs to other parts of the body, along with this they in turn take the carbon dioxide back to the lungs in order for it to be removed from the body. Platelets are what make the blood clot and/or slow and stop bleeding. 

Some symptoms of leukemia can seem more like flu symptoms like fever and body aches. Others are as follows: pale skin, fatigue, easy bleeding or bruising, unexplained weight loss, lack of energy, etc. For acute Leukemia the early signs or symptoms are more like the flu symptoms, whereas for chronic leukemia the earlier stages don’t normally have symptoms and can take years before symptoms actually develop. 

When diagnosing leukemia many different tests are performed in order to get a final diagnosis. Blood tests are used to check - type, number, size, and appearance of blood cells in order to find if the leukemic cells are present in the blood and how fast they are reproducing. Bone marrow testing is done also to check for the cells by removing a small portion of bone from the pelvis. Chromosome testing is done by checking the blood or bone marrow cells for changes in the chromosomes. Imaging tests are just as stated, using x-rays or other such medical instruments to find out whether or not the leukemia is affecting other parts of the body. 

Cancer is scary, but understanding what it actually is helps people better understand how they feel about it. It is easier to cope with something that can be comprehended than something that is lost on a person. Leukemia is frightening but it is also beatable.