Leukemia life expectancy varies depending on type, severity, age at diagnosis, and type of blood cells affected. Acute leukemia progresses rapidly and requires aggressive treatment, while chronic leukemia progresses slowly and may not require immediate treatment. Survival rates vary by subtype, with chronic myeloid leukemia having the highest survival rate.
The life expectancy of leukemia depends on the type of leukemia, the severity of the condition, and the patient’s age at the time of diagnosis. Leukemia is a cancer of the blood cells, and there are many types depending on the type of white blood cell affected. Children with some forms of leukemia generally have a better life expectancy than adults, but only if treatment is given.
There are two types of leukemia: chronic, in which older, more mature abnormal cells build up and become too many; and acute leukemias, in which young cells divide rapidly and frequently, inhibiting the normal development of all blood cells. Acute leukemia can be fatal in a very short time, unless an aggressive treatment program is started. The progress of the disease is rapid as the immature blood cells accumulate and spread rapidly in the body. Some types of acute leukemia are common in children. The life expectancy of acute leukemia usually ranges from a few months to a few years.
Chronic leukemia may go undetected in the body for many years. The progress of the disease is slower and it is often not necessary to start treatment immediately; rather, the disease is monitored until the right therapy is deemed necessary. Life expectancy for this type of leukemia can be 10 years, 20 years or even more.
The life expectancy of leukemia also depends on the type of blood cells affected by the cancer. There are two groups of leukemia: lymphocytic and myeloid, which are further divided into subgroups, each with different survival rates. In general, however, leukemia is considered one of the most deadly cancers, with a low life expectancy and an average survival rate of 43% in five years.
Lymphocytic leukemia is produced in the bone marrow when abnormal, immature lymphocytes take the place of healthy cells. Acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL) is common in young children and can also affect adults over the age of 60. More children than adults survive the disease, with a percentage of about 85% for the former and 50% for the latter. Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) does not occur in young children, but it can be found in adolescents. It usually affects adults after the age of 55. About 75% of sufferers will survive the disease for five years.
Myeloid or myeloid leukemia originates from cells in the marrow that develop into red blood cells. Again, the life expectancy of leukemia depends on whether the condition is acute or chronic. Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) commonly affects men and there is a 40% five-year survival rate. Chronic myeloid leukemia has the highest survival rate, at 90% after five years.
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