Leukemia is a disease characterized by the formation of abnormal numbers of white blood cells, for which no certain cure has been found. Leukemia is also conditions characterized by the transformation of normal blood-forming cells into abnormal white blood cells whose unrestrained growth overwhelms and replaces normal bone marrow and blood cells. Leukemias are named according to the normal cell from which they originate, such as Lymphocyte Leukemia. Lymphocyte Leukemia is where a
Lymphocyte cell is transformed into a Leukemia cell. Another example of
Leukemia is Myelocytic or (Granulocytic Leukemia). This forms when a Myelocytic cell is changed or transformed into a Leukemia cell. Different Leukemia's are located in the microscope and by how much protein they contain. These
Leukemia's are usually very severe and need treatment right away. The present incidence of new cases per year in the United States is about 25 to every
100,000 persons. The danger to the patient lies in the growth of these abnormal white cells, which interfere with the growth of the red blood cells, normal white blood cells, and the blood platelets. The uncontrolled growth of the abnormal white cells produces a tendency to unstop bleeding, the risk of getting serious infection in the wounds, and a very small possibility of obstruction of the blood vessels. Treatment of these Leukemias include chemotherapy with alkylafing agents, or antimetabodies that suppress the growth of abnormal white cells. Another treatment of some kind would be the x-ray or the administration or radioactive substances, or radiophosphorus, may be used. After treatment these diseases may last for many years. Age of the person diagnosed with Leukemia does play an important part in how that individual responds to any treatment. The older the person the less response he may have to treatment. Leukemia in Animals white blood cells is much less common as Leukemia in humans white blood cells.