How does Leukemia Develop and Affect our Whole Body?
Leukemia is a cancer of the blood, characterized by the rapid growth of abnormal blood cells. This uncontrolled growth happens in your bone marrow, where most of your body's blood is made. The word leukemia comes from the Greek words "white" (leukos) and "blood" (haema). Unlike other cancers, leukemia does not usually form a mass (tumor) that is visible on imaging tests such as X-rays or CT scans. There are many types of leukemia . How does Leukemia Develop? Normal Blood V/s Leukemia Leukemia begins in the bone marrow, the soft spongy tissue in the inner cavity of your bones, where your body's blood cells are made. Mature, normal blood cells include: • Red blood cells : cells that carry oxygen and other vital materials to all the tissues and organs of your body. • White blood cells : blood cells that fight infection. • Platelets : Cells that help your blood clot. These blood cells begin as hematopoietic (hemo=blood, poise=make) stem cells. If blood cells wer...