CHRONIC LEUKEMIA

In Chronic Myelogenous Leukemia (CML), The Leukemia Cell that starts the disease makes blood cells (red cells, white cells, and platelets) function almost like normal cells. However, the number of red blood cells is usually less than normal, resulting in Anemia. But many white cells and someimes many platelets are still made. Even though the white blood cells are nearly normal in how they work, their counts are high and continue to rise. This can cause serious problems if the patient does not get treatment. If untreated, the white blood cell count can rise so high that blood flow slows down and anemia becomes severe.

     In Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL), the Leukemia Cell that starts the disease makes too many Lymphocytes that do not function. These cells replace normal cells in the Marrow and Lymph Nodes. They interfere with the work of normal Lymphocytes which weakens the patients Immune Response. The high number of Leukemia Cells building up in the marrow can also lead to low Neutrophil and platelet counts.

     Unlike the other three types of Leukemia, some patients with (CLL) May have disease that does not progress for a long time. Most patients require treatment at the time of diagnosis or soon after.