Leukemia is a cancer of the white blood cells and is characterized by an abnormal proliferation (production by multiplication) of white cells in the bone marrow. Normally the white cells reproduce in an orderly and controlled manner. In Leukemia the process is disturbed and the cells continue to divide but not mature, it is part of the broad group of diseases called hematological neoplasms.

The word Leukemia, which means ‘white blood,’ is derived from the disease’s namesake, high white blood cell counts that most Leukemia patients have before treatment. The high number of white blood cells are apparent when a blood sample is viewed under a microscope. However these cells are defective and hence cannot perform their normal role ie protecting the body from infection. As this disease progresses, it will interfere with the ability of the bone marrow to produce the other types of blood cells, namely the red cells and platelets.

Updated:: 13/09/2021 []