Leukemia is a type of cancer that affects the blood cells of the body. There are different types of blood cells in the body, namely red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. Leukemia is caused by the rapid growth of abnormal white blood cells. It is one of the most common types of blood cancers in children as well as adults.

The onset of the condition can be acute or chronic. The cancer cells in acute leukemia multiply rapidly, whereas the disease progresses slowly in chronic leukemia and the early symptoms are mild. The symptoms of different types of leukemia vary from case to case but the common ones are weakness, fatigue, excessive sweating, fever, and weight loss. The different types of leukemia are classified according to the type of cell. The ones that involve myeloid cells are called myelogenous leukemia and the type involving lymphocytes is known as lymphocytic leukemia.

• Acute Myelogenous Leukemia (AML): This is the most common type of leukemia. It may affect any blood component and progresses quickly. In this condition, the myeloid cells mature into abnormal white blood cells and they may also become abnormal red blood cells or platelets at times. When they multiply rapidly, they overpower the normal cells in the blood and bone marrow.
• Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia (ALL): This type of leukemia occurs mostly in children. It begins in the B or T lymphocytes and can affect the bone marrow. It may also spread to the liver, lymph nodes, and spleen.
• Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL): This condition mostly affects people over 55 years of age. One form of CLL progresses slowly, while the other form grows rapidly. It occurs when the abnormal cells proliferate in the B lymphocytes and outnumber the normal ones.
• Chronic Myeloid Leukemia (CML): This type is rare and it mostly affects adults. CML occurs when there is a genetic change in the body and this change turns the myeloid cells into cancer cells. These cells start growing slowly and overpower the healthy cells in the blood and bone marrow.
• Hairy Cell Leukemia (HCL): This is a subtype of CLL and it progresses slowly. HCL occurs when the bone marrow makes many B cells or lymphocytes. When the number of leukemia cells increases, the body produces fewer healthy white blood cells, platelets, and red blood cells.

The symptoms of different types of leukemia are as follows:

• Weakness
• Fever or chills
• Headaches
• Vomiting
• Pain in the bones and joints
• Sudden weight loss
• Shortness of breath
• Night sweats
• Swollen lymph nodes
• Seizures

These symptoms of different types of leukemia must not be taken lightly and one must go to a doctor if they suspect anything. The organs that have been affected by the cancer cells may also show the symptoms. For instance, if the harmful cells spread to the central nervous system, it may cause nausea, headache, vomiting, seizures, and confusion. The condition may also spread to the gastrointestinal tract, lungs, kidneys, and heart. There are various tests that can help diagnose the condition and the treatment depending on its type and stage.