a form of cancer affecting the bone marrow and other blood-forming tissues causing over-production of leucocytes (white blood cells). Leukemia can be either acute or chronic. In acute lymphoblastic leukemia, which affects children, leukaemic cells replace the normal cells of the bone marrow. Acute myeloblastic leukemia usually occurs in middle age; chronic myeloblastic leukemia, in which the liver and spleen become enlarged, mostly effect elderly people.
in general, leukemia causes suppression of the production of red blood cells and other blood constituents resulting in anemia, recurrent infections, pains in joints and bones, bleeding disorders such as nosebleeds and bruising, weight loss, fever, night sweats and lack of energy. The cause of leukemia is unknown, but treatment with anti-leukemic drugs, radiotherapy, blood transfusions, and sometimes bone marrow transplants, will often result in remission.