Leukemia is a cancer of the white blood cells in the body, and there are many different types of this disease. The categorization is done depending on the blood cells; it affects and the rate at which it progresses. Read on to know more about rare and common types of Leukemia that one can develop.

Rare and common types of Leukemia

• Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia: This is a common form of cancer that affects the infection-fighting white blood cells. In this, the bone marrow produces too many anomalous lymphocytes that crowd out other blood cells. It is acute cancer that can grow very quickly, spreading to the nearby lymph nodes and other organs. It is most common in children below 5 years of age.
• Acute Myelogenous Leukemia: This type affects the white blood cells known as myeloid cells. It is also acute in nature, such that it spreads quickly. Also known as Myeloblastic Leukemia or Acute Non-lymphocytic Leukemia, this can occur in both children as well as adults.
• Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia: This is a slow-progressing form of cancer that may not exhibit any symptoms in people for years. However, there is also a form of this Leukemia that progresses more rapidly. It rarely affects children and is more common in adults who are 70 years or above.
• Chronic Myelogenous Leukemia: Again, this type of Leukemia begins in the Myeloid cells. It progresses slowly, but can sometimes transform into an acute form. This also affects older adults and is seen very rarely in children.
• Hairy Cell Leukemia: This is one of the rare and common types of Leukemia that affects the lymphocytes in the body. It is named so because the cancer cells appear hairy when seen under a microscope. It grows very slowly and can be easily treated using different cancer treatments.
• Myelodysplastic Syndrome: Commonly referred to as MDS, this is a group of diseases that impair the ability of the bone marrow to produce adequate normal blood cells. Previously, it was considered as a condition that occurs prior to Leukemia. Almost all people who are diagnosed with MDS go on to have fast-progressing Acute Myelogenous Leukemia.
• Myeloproliferative Neoplasms: Myeloproliferative Neoplasms or MPN occurs when a person’s bone marrow begins producing too many blood cells. MPN is further categorized into many different types, such as Myelofibrosis, Eosinophilia, Essential Thrombocythemia, and Polycythemia Vera.

These are the rare and common types of Leukemia generally seen in people. On experiencing any symptoms, the doctor will recommend diagnostic tests to check the condition. The right treatment depends on the type and stage of Leukemia.