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myelogenous leukemia

pathology
Also known as: granulocytic leukemia

Quick Summary

Myelogenous leukemia is a type of cancer affecting the blood-forming tissues, specifically characterized by an abnormal proliferation of myeloid tissue, such as in the bone marrow and spleen. This condition leads to an excessive increase in granulocytes, myelocytes, and myeloblasts in the circulating blood.1

Leukemia, in general, is a cancer of the blood-forming tissues that results in a high number of white blood cells. It is classified as either acute or chronic, and as myelogenous (originating from bone marrow) or lymphocytic (involving lymphocytes). Myelogenous leukemia specifically affects granulocytes and monocytes, which are types of white blood cells that help fight bacteria. Radiation exposure and certain genetic factors are identified as potential risk factors for developing leukemia.23

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