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Leukemia Cancer Overview
This website was created to help leukemia / blood cancer patients and their families and friends with up-to-date information about leukemia and more specifically about acute myelogenous leukemia (AML). We have the latest information on leukemia, its symptoms, causes, diagnosis, and treatment. We have also gathered vital information on coping with the personal and financial effects of leukemia, which may be difficult to deal with without the proper preparation.
Leukemia is cancer that originates in the bone marrow, the soft, spongy inner portion of certain bones, and in which the malignant cells are white blood cells (leukocytes). Acute myelogenous leukemia is a malignancy that arises in either granulocytes or monocytes which are white blood cells that battle infectious agents throughout the body.
Although the exact cause of AML is unknown, exposure to benzene and cigarettes smoking are linked to the disease. AML occurs in all ages but more often in older adults. With more than 10,000 new luekemia cases diagnosed annually, AML is the most common type of acute leukemia in adults. Other types of leukemia are acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL), chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML), chronic lymphatic leukemia (CLL) and hairy cell leukemia (HCL).
The onset of AML is usually slow, and there are different symptoms depending on whether there is a deficiency of red cells, white cells or platelets.
As the disease progresses rapidly, it is very important to seek medical treatment as soon as possible. The Treatment Options section describes the different types of treatments such as chemotherapy, as well as has clinical trial information. In our Medical Financial Aid and Assistance section, we discuss how patients and their families may be helped with medical bills and financial concerns.
Because some leukemias are linked to benzene exposure, see our At Risk Jobs and Benzene Exposure section to find out if you or a loved one has worked in a job associated with benzene poisoning.
Visit our updated Leukemia News Items
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Leukemia Cancer Information
