About Cancer
Leukaemia is a type of blood cancer. There are different types of leukaemia and the treatment you need depends on the type. Get information about the main types here. The American spelling of leukaemia is leukemia.
When you're looking for information about leukaemia, make sure you know which type you want to know about. Ask your doctor or specialist nurse if you aren't sure.
Philadelphia positive leukaemia is when you have a particular change in the chromosomes of the leukaemia cells. This can happen in ALL and CML. Find out more about these types of cancer.
Common symptoms of leukaemia include feeling weak, a high temperature and not being able to shake off infections easily. Read more about the general symptoms of leukaemia.
AML starts from young white blood cells called granulocytes or monocytes in the bone marrow. Find out about symptoms, how it is diagnosed and treated, and how to cope.
Acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL) starts from young white blood cells called lymphocytes in the bone marrow. Find out about symptoms, tests to diagnose, treatments and how to cope.
CML starts in the white blood cells called granulocytes. It often develops slowly and treatment can keep it under control for many years. Find out more.
CLL affects the white blood cells called lymphocytes. It tends to develop very slowly. Find out about the treatment you might need and much more.
Hairy cell leukaemia (HCL) is a rare type of chronic leukaemia. It develops slowly from white blood cells called B lymphocytes. Find out about this type of leukaemia.
Last reviewed: 19 Nov 2024
Next review due: 19 Nov 2027
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