Leukemia: Most Popular Articles
These articles are the most popular over the last month.
Leukemia Symptoms
While specific symptoms may differ among the four basic types of leukemia, many signs and symptoms are common to all leukemia types. Learn the difference between signs and symptoms and find out what causes the symptoms of leukemia.
While specific symptoms may differ among the four basic types of leukemia, many signs and symptoms are common to all leukemia types. Learn the difference between signs and symptoms and find out what causes the symptoms of leukemia.
White Blood Cell Types
Learn the basics about the different types and functions of white blood cells that are profiled in both the WBC (white blood cell) count and the CBC (complete blood count) blood tests.
Learn the basics about the different types and functions of white blood cells that are profiled in both the WBC (white blood cell) count and the CBC (complete blood count) blood tests.
Diagnosing Leukemia
Many different types of tests are used to find and diagnose leukemia. Find out what common tests are, how they're done, and what each test is measuring or examining.
Many different types of tests are used to find and diagnose leukemia. Find out what common tests are, how they're done, and what each test is measuring or examining.
Myeloid Cell Line
The myeloid cell line is one of two groups of stem cells produced in the bone marrow. Learn more about the myeloid cell line.
The myeloid cell line is one of two groups of stem cells produced in the bone marrow. Learn more about the myeloid cell line.
Leukemia Basics
One of the most important steps in dealing with leukemia is to understand what leukemia is, how leukemic cells are different from normal cells in the blood and bone marrow, the types of leukemia, its symptoms, how leukemia is diagnosed, and the available treatments.
One of the most important steps in dealing with leukemia is to understand what leukemia is, how leukemic cells are different from normal cells in the blood and bone marrow, the types of leukemia, its symptoms, how leukemia is diagnosed, and the available treatments.
Treating Leukemia
Each type of leukemia has its own typical course of treatment, but there are only a few general types of treatment for leukemia. Explore the way each treatment works, how it is given, and what some of the most common side effects are.
Each type of leukemia has its own typical course of treatment, but there are only a few general types of treatment for leukemia. Explore the way each treatment works, how it is given, and what some of the most common side effects are.
stem cell locations
Hematopoietic (blood-forming) stem cells are found in several locations in the body.
Hematopoietic (blood-forming) stem cells are found in several locations in the body.
Polymorphonuclear Leukocyte
A polymorphonuclear leukocyte (PMN), or granulocyte, is a type of white blood cell whose nucleus has several rounded parts referred to as lobes. The connections between these lobes are often so slender that the cell appears to have multiple nuclei. Another characteristic feature of this type of cell is the grainy appearance of the cell's cytoplasm under the microscope when stained with a stain called "Wright's stain," thus the other name for this type of white blood cell: "granulocyte."
A polymorphonuclear leukocyte (PMN), or granulocyte, is a type of white blood cell whose nucleus has several rounded parts referred to as lobes. The connections between these lobes are often so slender that the cell appears to have multiple nuclei. Another characteristic feature of this type of cell is the grainy appearance of the cell's cytoplasm under the microscope when stained with a stain called "Wright's stain," thus the other name for this type of white blood cell: "granulocyte."
Living with Leukemia
Leukemia affects every area of life, and with survival rates increasing, more people are learning how to live everyday with leukemia. Find ways to deal with leukemia physically, emotionally, and financially.
Leukemia affects every area of life, and with survival rates increasing, more people are learning how to live everyday with leukemia. Find ways to deal with leukemia physically, emotionally, and financially.
AML Subtypes
Because acute myelogenous leukemia (also called acute myeloid leukemia) doesn't usually develop solid tumors, AML cases are divided into specific subtypes instead of numbered stages.
Because acute myelogenous leukemia (also called acute myeloid leukemia) doesn't usually develop solid tumors, AML cases are divided into specific subtypes instead of numbered stages.
CLL
Chronic lymphocytic leukemia is one of the four major types of leukemia. Find out more about its causes and commonly used treatments.
Chronic lymphocytic leukemia is one of the four major types of leukemia. Find out more about its causes and commonly used treatments.
Genetics
Understanding genetics is essential to understanding leukemia. Find out what it is and where genetic information is located in a cell.
Understanding genetics is essential to understanding leukemia. Find out what it is and where genetic information is located in a cell.
Leukemia Survivor Story - Susa
This survivor story comes from Amanda G. in Massachusetts. She shares with us Susan's story, with her permission. Susan is a 62-year-old Buffalo, NY woman who is battling for her life.
This survivor story comes from Amanda G. in Massachusetts. She shares with us Susan's story, with her permission. Susan is a 62-year-old Buffalo, NY woman who is battling for her life.
Bone Marrow Transplants
Bone marrow transplants are one type of treatment for leukemia. Learn more about what a bone marrow transplant is and how it works to treat leukemia.
Bone marrow transplants are one type of treatment for leukemia. Learn more about what a bone marrow transplant is and how it works to treat leukemia.
AML Symptoms
Recognizing the symptoms of acute myelogenous leukemia (AML) is not always easy, as the first symptoms of AML are often very general. Learn what these symptoms are, and what causes them.
Recognizing the symptoms of acute myelogenous leukemia (AML) is not always easy, as the first symptoms of AML are often very general. Learn what these symptoms are, and what causes them.
Lymphoid Cell Line
The lymphoid cell line is one of two groups of blood cells produced by the bone marrow. Learn more about the lymphoid cell line.
The lymphoid cell line is one of two groups of blood cells produced by the bone marrow. Learn more about the lymphoid cell line.
BMT Insurance Coverage
With costs for bone marrow transplants ranging from $50,000 for an autologous transplant to $200,000 for an allogeneic transplant, knowing what type of coverage you have is vital. Learn more about the types of public and private insurance and how to know which type you have.
With costs for bone marrow transplants ranging from $50,000 for an autologous transplant to $200,000 for an allogeneic transplant, knowing what type of coverage you have is vital. Learn more about the types of public and private insurance and how to know which type you have.
Mutation
Genetic mutations can cause leukemia; find out exactly what a mutation is and some things that can cause it.
Genetic mutations can cause leukemia; find out exactly what a mutation is and some things that can cause it.
CML
Chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML) is one of the four main types of leukemia. Find information on causes, risk factors, and commonly used treatments for CML.
Chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML) is one of the four main types of leukemia. Find information on causes, risk factors, and commonly used treatments for CML.
Stem Cell Development
How does a stem cell "know" what type of cell to become? Learn about the development of a stem cell into a specific type of body cell.
How does a stem cell "know" what type of cell to become? Learn about the development of a stem cell into a specific type of body cell.
5 Parenting Tips
Parenting a child through a life-threatening illness is never easy, but these 5 tips will give you ideas on how to cope.
Parenting a child through a life-threatening illness is never easy, but these 5 tips will give you ideas on how to cope.
Engraftment
Engraftment is the process that happens to donor marrow or stem cells once they enter the donor recipients body.
Engraftment is the process that happens to donor marrow or stem cells once they enter the donor recipients body.
Macrophage
A macrophage is a white blood cell from the myeloid cell line that develops from monocytes that have migrated in to the bloodstream.
A macrophage is a white blood cell from the myeloid cell line that develops from monocytes that have migrated in to the bloodstream.
ALL
Acute lymphocytic leukemia is one of the four main types of leukemia. Find information about what AML is, who gets it, and how it's treated.
Acute lymphocytic leukemia is one of the four main types of leukemia. Find information about what AML is, who gets it, and how it's treated.
Mononuclear Leukocyte
A mononuclear leukocyte is a white blood cell that has a nucleus that may be indented or horseshoe-shaped, but lacks the deeply lobed appearance of a mononuclear leukocyte. This type of cell also does not have cytoplasm that appears grainy when researchers stain the cell for viewing under a microscope, so it may also be called a "non-granulocyte."
A mononuclear leukocyte is a white blood cell that has a nucleus that may be indented or horseshoe-shaped, but lacks the deeply lobed appearance of a mononuclear leukocyte. This type of cell also does not have cytoplasm that appears grainy when researchers stain the cell for viewing under a microscope, so it may also be called a "non-granulocyte."
Stem Cell Controversy
Stem cell research has been a controversial issue in the media and politics. Find out if your bone marrow or stem cell transplant is a part of this debate.
Stem cell research has been a controversial issue in the media and politics. Find out if your bone marrow or stem cell transplant is a part of this debate.
Five Fertility Questions
Treatments for leukemia can affect fertility in both males and females. It's important to know what these affects are before treatment begins and what options are available for preserving fertility during and after treatment.
Treatments for leukemia can affect fertility in both males and females. It's important to know what these affects are before treatment begins and what options are available for preserving fertility during and after treatment.
Megakaryocyte
A megakaryocyte is the largest cell found in the bone marrow.
A megakaryocyte is the largest cell found in the bone marrow.
B-cell
A B-cell is a type of lymphocyte (a white blood cell) that matures in the bone marrow and produces antibodies, helping the immune system to fight infections.
A B-cell is a type of lymphocyte (a white blood cell) that matures in the bone marrow and produces antibodies, helping the immune system to fight infections.
Your Insurance Plan
When you are trying to pay for leukemia treatment, knowing what is and is not covered by your health insurance plan can save you unnecessary financial worries, and allow you to prepare for the expenses involved.
When you are trying to pay for leukemia treatment, knowing what is and is not covered by your health insurance plan can save you unnecessary financial worries, and allow you to prepare for the expenses involved.
Allogeneic
Allogeneic is a word commonly used to describe a type of bone marrow or stem cell transplant.
Allogeneic is a word commonly used to describe a type of bone marrow or stem cell transplant.
Leukemia
A type of cancer that starts from a single cell in the bone marrow whose DNA has been damaged, causing the cell to grow and reproduce out of control.
A type of cancer that starts from a single cell in the bone marrow whose DNA has been damaged, causing the cell to grow and reproduce out of control.
Red Blood Cell
A blood cell that contains hemoglobin and functions as a carrier of oxygen to every cell in the body.
A blood cell that contains hemoglobin and functions as a carrier of oxygen to every cell in the body.
AML
Learn about the causes, treatments, and effects on the body of acute myelogenous leukemia.
Learn about the causes, treatments, and effects on the body of acute myelogenous leukemia.
What is a stem cell?
Learn the characteristics of a stem cell.
Learn the characteristics of a stem cell.
T315I Genetic Mutation
The T315I mutation is associated with chronic myeloid leukemia, and blocks the effectiveness of most common CML treatments.
The T315I mutation is associated with chronic myeloid leukemia, and blocks the effectiveness of most common CML treatments.
NCCS Financial Assistance
Financial assistance is available from the National Children's Cancer Society for children diagnosed with all types of cancer, including leukemia. Learn the details of this program and how to apply.
Financial assistance is available from the National Children's Cancer Society for children diagnosed with all types of cancer, including leukemia. Learn the details of this program and how to apply.
Leukemia - Articles
An index of articles for the Leukemia guide site.
An index of articles for the Leukemia guide site.
Overcoming Treatment Barriers
Some barriers to getting quality care and treatment for leukemia stand in the way of many of those diagnosed with the disease. Find out what these barriers are and how to overcome them.
Some barriers to getting quality care and treatment for leukemia stand in the way of many of those diagnosed with the disease. Find out what these barriers are and how to overcome them.
AML Risk Factors
While medical researchers are unsure of the exact causes of acute myelogenous leukemia (AML), certain risk factors have been identified that increase the chances of an individual developing AML during his or her lifetime.
While medical researchers are unsure of the exact causes of acute myelogenous leukemia (AML), certain risk factors have been identified that increase the chances of an individual developing AML during his or her lifetime.
James Leukemia Story
James Carroll's story of leukemia survival is marked by the failure of a Veteran's hospital in Florida to give him the care he needed. Refused, by the VA, Carroll had to pay for his care out of his own pocket.
James Carroll's story of leukemia survival is marked by the failure of a Veteran's hospital in Florida to give him the care he needed. Refused, by the VA, Carroll had to pay for his care out of his own pocket.
What to Bring to the Hospital
It's difficult to know exactly what to bring to the hospital when you're admitted for your first round of chemotherapy or for any type of treatment or procedure.
It's difficult to know exactly what to bring to the hospital when you're admitted for your first round of chemotherapy or for any type of treatment or procedure.
LRF Grant
The Lymphoma Research Foundation offers financial assistance and support services to leukemia patients diagnosed with Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia or Small Lymphocytic Leukemia.
The Lymphoma Research Foundation offers financial assistance and support services to leukemia patients diagnosed with Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia or Small Lymphocytic Leukemia.
Translocation
Learn about translocation, a certain type of genetic mutation.
Learn about translocation, a certain type of genetic mutation.
White Blood Cell
A type of blood cell that is produced in the bone marrow and aids the body in fighting infections.
A type of blood cell that is produced in the bone marrow and aids the body in fighting infections.
Myelogenous
Refers to a specific branch of the immune system that is involved in immune responses to organisms such as bacteria, fungi, and worms. Myelogenous leukemias involve the uncontrolled growth of an immature cell that would normally have developed into a myeloid cell.
Refers to a specific branch of the immune system that is involved in immune responses to organisms such as bacteria, fungi, and worms. Myelogenous leukemias involve the uncontrolled growth of an immature cell that would normally have developed into a myeloid cell.
Natural Killer Cells
Natural Killer (NK) are lymphocytes (white blood cells) that release small packets of destructive enzymes that can kill tumor cells or cells infected with viruses. NK cells are large and have a grainy appearance and are called "natural killer" cells, because they are nonspecifically activated in order to kill virus-infected or cancerous cells.
Natural Killer (NK) are lymphocytes (white blood cells) that release small packets of destructive enzymes that can kill tumor cells or cells infected with viruses. NK cells are large and have a grainy appearance and are called "natural killer" cells, because they are nonspecifically activated in order to kill virus-infected or cancerous cells.
CancerCare Assist
The CancerCare Assist financial assistance program offers a small grant to help cover certain expenses related to treatment for all cancers, including leukemia. Find out more about this grant and how to apply.
The CancerCare Assist financial assistance program offers a small grant to help cover certain expenses related to treatment for all cancers, including leukemia. Find out more about this grant and how to apply.
Leukemia - Profiles
An index of Profiles for the Leukemia guide site.
An index of Profiles for the Leukemia guide site.
Pre-transplant Conditioning
Intense chemotherapy and radiation are given before bone marrow transplants to destroy cancer cells and the patient's bone marrow. Find answers to your questions about this important step in the transplant process.
Intense chemotherapy and radiation are given before bone marrow transplants to destroy cancer cells and the patient's bone marrow. Find answers to your questions about this important step in the transplant process.
Leukemic Stem Cell Development
Find out how a normal stem cell becomes a dangerous leukemic stem cell.
Find out how a normal stem cell becomes a dangerous leukemic stem cell.
ACS Road to Recovery
If you need help with transportation to and from your leukemia treatment or doctor's appointments, the American Cancer Society's Road to Recovery program may be able to help.
If you need help with transportation to and from your leukemia treatment or doctor's appointments, the American Cancer Society's Road to Recovery program may be able to help.
LLS Financial Aid
The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society offers a Patient Financial Aid program to help leukemia patients with chemotherapy treatment bills, expenses related to bone marrow transplants, or the cost of transportation to and from treatments, doctor's appointments, or support group meetings.
The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society offers a Patient Financial Aid program to help leukemia patients with chemotherapy treatment bills, expenses related to bone marrow transplants, or the cost of transportation to and from treatments, doctor's appointments, or support group meetings.
Blast
An immature cell that normally develops into one of a variety of white blood cells that help the body fight infection.
An immature cell that normally develops into one of a variety of white blood cells that help the body fight infection.
Inversion
Learn the definition of a genetic inversion.
Learn the definition of a genetic inversion.
Lymphocytic
Having to do with a certain type of white blood cell called a lymphocyte. Lymphocytic leukemia is a leukemia with a cell that would have developed into a lymphocyte if it hadn't sustained damage to its DNA, resulting in uncontrolled cell division.
Having to do with a certain type of white blood cell called a lymphocyte. Lymphocytic leukemia is a leukemia with a cell that would have developed into a lymphocyte if it hadn't sustained damage to its DNA, resulting in uncontrolled cell division.
T-cell
A T-cell is a type of lymphocyte (a white blood cell)that migrates to the thymus during development, a gland that is part of the lymphatic system located immediately behind the breastbone in the chest, to fully mature. Learn more about T-cells.
A T-cell is a type of lymphocyte (a white blood cell)that migrates to the thymus during development, a gland that is part of the lymphatic system located immediately behind the breastbone in the chest, to fully mature. Learn more about T-cells.
Remission
The goal of cancer treatment; a complete or partial elimination of the visible signs and symptoms of cancer.
The goal of cancer treatment; a complete or partial elimination of the visible signs and symptoms of cancer.
Prognosis
Doctors often refer to a patient's prognosis when discussing disease and possible recovery. Find out what this term means.
Doctors often refer to a patient's prognosis when discussing disease and possible recovery. Find out what this term means.