15 Types of Leukemia You Must Know!

​Leukaemia is a form of blood cancer that develops when the bone marrow produces an excessive amount of abnormal white blood cells. These atypical white blood cells do not operate in the same manner as regular white blood cells, resulting in reduced effectiveness in combating infections.

Insufficient red blood cells and platelets brought on by leukaemia can result in anaemia and bleeding issues. There are various types of leukaemia that need to be addressed. Let's learn about them together.

4 Common Types of Blood Cancer

Leukemia can come in four main forms: acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL), acute myeloid leukaemia (AML), chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL), and chronic myeloid leukaemia (CML).

1. Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia (ALL)

Acute lymphoblastic leukaemia is a type of leukaemia that usually affects children. It occurs when lymphocytic white blood cells (a type of white blood cell that helps fight infection) become abnormal and rapidly multiply in the bone marrow.

Symptoms of acute lymphoblastic leukaemia include fever, fatigue, weight loss, pale skin and swollen lymph nodes.

2. Acute Myeloid Leukaemia (AML)

Acute myeloid leukaemia is a type of leukaemia that affects all age groups. It occurs when myeloid white blood cells become abnormal and rapidly multiply.

Symptoms of this leukaemia include fever, chills, nausea, fatigue, and bone pain.

3. Chronic Lymphocytic Leukaemia (CLL)

Chronic lymphocytic leukaemia is a type of leukaemia that is more common in adults over the age of 60. It occurs when lymphocytic white blood cells become abnormal and slowly multiply in the bone marrow.

Symptoms of chronic lymphocytic leukaemia include enlarged lymph nodes, fever, weight loss and fatigue.

4. Chronic Myeloid Leukaemia (CML)

Chronic myeloid leukaemia occurs when myeloid white blood cells become abnormal and slowly multiply in the bone marrow. It is a type of leukaemia that can affect all age groups.

Most people can live with this leukaemia for many years. Rarely does it change into acute leukaemia, which requires immediate medical attention.

Symptoms of chronic myeloid leukaemia include spleen enlargement, fatigue, night sweats and loss of appetite.

11 Rare Types of Blood Cancer

​There are several rare types of blood cancer, including:

1. Hairy Cell Leukaemia

Hairy cell leukaemia is a rare type of leukaemia that usually affects people over the age of 50. This type of leukaemia has leukaemia cells that have 'hair-like' structures that are longer and thicker than normal leukaemia cells.

Common symptoms include fatigue, shortness of breath and an increased risk of infection.

2. Myelodysplastic Syndromes (MDS)

Myelodysplastic syndromes is a type of leukaemia that affects bone marrow blood cells. This cancer blocks the process of blood cell formation and causes cells to become abnormal.

Common symptoms include fatigue, paleness and bruising.

3. Myeloproliferative Neoplasms (MPN)

Myeloproliferative neoplasms is a rare type of leukaemia that affects blood cells involved in the blood clotting process.

This cancer can cause an increased risk of blood clots or bleeding, fatigue symptoms and an enlarged spleen.

4. Blastic Plasmacytoid Dendritic Cell Neoplasm ( (BPDCN)

Blastic plasmacytoid dendritic cell neoplasm is a rare type of leukaemia that affects white blood cells known as plasmacytoid dendritic cells. This cancer can also attack other organs such as the liver and lungs.

Common symptoms include the formation of red spots on the skin, swollen lymph nodes and difficulty breathing.

5. Aplastic Anaemia

Aplastic anaemia is a condition in which the bone marrow produces insufficient blood cells which includes red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets.

Most patients with this leukaemia will experience symptoms such as fatigue, shortness of breath, paleness and easy bruising.

6. Chronic Myelomonocytic Leukaemia (CMML)

Chronic myelomonocytic leukaemia is a type of leukaemia that involves abnormal blood cells, including white and red blood cells. This is a rare type of leukaemia and usually affects older individuals.

CMML symptoms include fatigue, shortness of breath and persistent infections.

7. Systemic Mastocytosis

Systemic mastocytosis is a rare disease caused by an excess of mast cells in the body. Mast cells are blood cells that help fight infection.

If the number of mast cells is too high, it can cause serious symptoms such as itching, swelling and discomfort throughout the body.

8. T-Cell Prolymphocytic Leukaemia (T-PLL)

T-cell prolymphocytic leukaemia is a type of leukaemia that accounts for only about 2% of all leukaemias. This cancer affects mature T-cells and usually occurs in older individuals.

Associated symptoms include spleen enlargement, fatigue, weight loss and an increased risk of infection.

9. Large Granular Lymphocytic Leukaemia

Large granular lymphocytic leukaemia is a very rare type of leukaemia, with only a few cases reported worldwide. This cancer affects mature B cells and is common in older adults.

Associated symptoms include enlarged spleen, increased risk of infection and severe fatigue.

10. Adult T-Cell Leukaemia

Adult T-cell leukaemia is a type of leukaemia that affects mature T-cells. This cancer is more common among young adults.

Common symptoms include enlarged spleen, fatigue, increased risk of infection and fever.

 11. Chronic Eosinophilic Leukaemia (CEL)

This is also a rare type of leukaemia, making up only about 1-2% of all leukaemias. It usually occurs in older adults, especially those over 50 years old.

Leukaemia symptoms include enlarged spleen, fatigue and headaches.

Most Common Types of Leukaemia in Malaysia

​Acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL), acute myeloid leukaemia (AML), and chronic myeloid leukaemia (CML) are the three leukaemia types that are most prevalent in Malaysia.

Children are more likely to develop acute lymphoblastic leukaemia than any other type of leukaemia. While both adults and children can develop acute myeloid leukaemia, adults over 50 are more likely to develop chronic myeloid leukaemia.

Acute lymphoblastic or acute myeloid leukaemias make up the majority of cases of leukaemia.

Pre-Leukemia: Transient Myeloproliferative Disorder (TMD)

​Pre-leukemia is a term used to describe a pre-cancerous condition in the bloodstream. Transient myeloproliferative disorder is a type of pre-leukemia where there is an increase in the number of white blood cells, red blood cells or platelets in the blood.

TMD usually does not cause symptoms and does not require treatment. However, there is still a chance for it to develop into acute leukaemia. As a result, it's important to monitor any symptoms of this leukaemia and have routine check-ups.

Don't Just Read, Take Action!

​It's critical that everyone has knowledge of leukaemia and conditions that can lead to leukaemia as it can be fatal. See a doctor immediately if you suspect you may be experiencing any symptoms.

Early detection and treatment can help prevent the progression of cancer and increase the chances of full recovery. So don't just read, take action now and take care of your health responsibly!

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