The Difference Between Acute Leukemia and Chronic Leukemia

Written by Li Fang Fang
Hematology
Updated on September 18, 2024
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The difference between acute and chronic leukemia lies in the maturity stage of the leukemia cells. Acute leukemia is characterized by more immature leukemia cells, while chronic leukemia cells tend to be more mature. Acute leukemia is further divided into acute myeloid leukemia and acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Among them, acute myeloid leukemia is subdivided into eight types, from M0 to M7. Chronic leukemia is divided into two main categories: chronic lymphocytic leukemia and chronic myeloid leukemia. As the name suggests, acute leukemia has a rapid onset and a shorter survival period, whereas chronic leukemia develops more slowly and has a longer life expectancy.

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Written by He Li Fang
Hematology
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Causes of Chronic Myeloid Leukemia

Chronic granulocytic leukemia, also known as chronic myeloid leukemia, is a myeloproliferative tumor originating from pluripotent stem cells. It is characterized by a specific chromosomal alteration, commonly referred to as the Philadelphia chromosome, which is formed by the translocation of chromosomes 9 and 22, resulting in the formation of the BCR-ABL fusion gene at the molecular level. Chronic granulocytic leukemia is a clonal disease originating from pluripotent stem cells. Due to a significant expansion of the progenitor cell pool, there is excessive proliferation of myeloid cells and increased granulocyte production. The slow clearance of granulocytes leads to the accumulation of granulocytes in the body, which is the main cause of the disease.

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Written by He Li Fang
Hematology
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chronic granulocytic leukemia platelets

Patients with chronic granulocytic leukemia have variations in blood platelets as seen in routine blood tests, which differ according to different stages of the disease. In the chronic phase, especially early on, platelet counts are mostly elevated or normal, with increases potentially exceeding 1000x10^9 per liter. The shape of the platelets is normal, but their function is often abnormal, with thrombus formation being rare. A minority of patients may experience a decrease in platelet count. As the disease progresses, routine blood tests can reveal significant decreases or increases in platelet counts along with the appearance of megakaryocytes. Additionally, some patients may also exhibit bone marrow fibrosis, characterized by an increase in reticular fibers or collagen fibers.

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Written by Li Fang Fang
Hematology
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What tests are done for leukemia?

Patients with leukemia need to be further classified to determine if it is acute leukemia or chronic leukemia, whether it is acute myeloid leukemia or acute lymphoblastic leukemia in the case of acute leukemia, and whether it is chronic myeloid leukemia or chronic lymphocytic leukemia in the case of chronic leukemia. Therefore, in addition to routine blood tests, leukemia patients also need to undergo bone marrow cytology, immunophenotyping, testing for 43 types of leukemia fusion genes, chromosome tests, etc., to further clarify the subtype of leukemia. After the subtype is clarified, a treatment plan is selected based on the specific type.

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Written by Li Fang Fang
Hematology
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The difference between chronic granulocytic leukemia and leukemia.

Chronic granulocytic leukemia is a type of leukemia. Leukemia can be divided into acute leukemia and chronic leukemia. Acute leukemia is further divided into acute myeloid leukemia and acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Among these, acute myeloid leukemia can be divided into eight subtypes from M0 to M7, and acute lymphoblastic leukemia can be divided into three subtypes from L0 to L3. Chronic leukemia is further divided into chronic granulocytic leukemia and chronic lymphocytic leukemia. Therefore, chronic granulocytic leukemia is a subtype of leukemia.

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Written by Li Bao Hua
Dentistry
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Is bleeding when brushing teeth leukemia?

Bleeding during brushing is not necessarily leukemia; it could also be due to gingivitis or periodontitis. Bleeding can occur around the teeth where there are irritants like soft plaque or dental plaque. These irritants chronically stimulate the gingival tissues, causing them to be in a congested state. A stimulus, such as brushing, can then lead to bleeding of the gums. This condition is a common early sign of gingivitis or periodontitis. After dental cleaning to remove these irritants, followed by rinsing and medicating the area around the gums, the condition of gingivitis can be improved. Therefore, if bleeding during brushing can be improved through dental cleaning and medication, it indicates that the bleeding is simply caused by gingivitis or periodontitis, and not leukemia.