There are a number of different types of leukemia, including:

• Acute lymphoblastic (or lymphoid) leukemia
• Acute myeloid leukemia
• Chronic lymphocytic leukemia
• Chronic myelogenous (or myeloid) leukemia

It is estimated that more than 34,000 new cases of leukemia were diagnosed in the United States in 2005, with acute myeloid leukemia being the most common. Approximately 12,000 new cases of myeloid leukemia are diagnosed each year.


Acute myelogenous leukemia (AML) is a malignancy that arises in either granulocytes or monocytes, which are white blood cells that battle infectious agents throughout the body. AML is not inherited or contagious. It develops when there is a defect in the immature cells in the bone marrow.

Although the exact cause of AML is unknown, exposure to benzene, cigarette smoke, and prior exposure to chemotherapy drugs are linked to the disease. LeukemiaWeb provides a free Patient Packet on its website.

See also

• Causes and risk factors
• Detection and diagnosis
• Treatment options
• Prognosis
• Support