Is leukemia an overproduction of white blood cells?

Is leukemia an overproduction of white blood cells?

Leukemia is the result of the rapid overproduction of abnormal white blood cells.

What happens to the cells when you have leukemia?

Leukemia develops when the DNA of developing blood cells, mainly white cells, incurs damage. This causes the blood cells to grow and divide uncontrollably. Healthy blood cells die, and new cells replace them. These develop in the bone marrow.

What blood cells increase in leukemia?

If you have leukemia, your blood cells count will likely show higher than usual levels of white blood cells, which include leukemic cells. You may also have lower than usual red blood cell and platelet cell counts. If all three types are low, this is known as pancytopenia.

What cells are affected by leukemia?

Leukemia usually refers to cancer of the white blood cells. It tends to affect one of the two major types of white blood cells: lymphocytes and granulocytes. These cells circulate through the bloodstream and the lymph system to help the body fight off viruses, infections, and other invading organisms.

Can leukemia be inherited?

Is leukemia hereditary? Leukemia is a cancer of the body’s bone marrow, which is where your blood cells are made. It’s a genetic disease, but most cases aren’t thought to be hereditary. Instead, a variety of risk factors can make you more likely to get the disease.

What part of the body does leukemia generally affect?

Leukemia is a type of cancer affecting the bone marrow and blood cells. It typically affects WBCs, which are responsible for protecting against infection and illness. Leukemia and its treatment affect many areas of the body, including blood, bones, the heart and other muscles, and the digestive system.

How long can a person with leukemia live?

Today, the average five-year survival rate for all types of leukemia is 65.8%. That means about 69 of every 100 people with leukemia are likely to live at least five years after diagnosis. Many people will live much longer than five years.