LEUKAEMIA -
Noun: A progressive, often fatal disease of the blood-forming organs where white blood cells and their precursors are being created and developed in the blood and bone marrow . It is accompanied by a reduced number of red blood cells and platelets due to the high volume of the defective white blood cells being produced, resulting in anaemia and increased susceptibility to infection and haemorrhaging . Other typical symptoms include fever, pain in the joints and bones and swelling of the lymph nodes , spleen and liver. Leukaemia is classified clinically on the basis of (a) the duration and character of the disease (acute or chronic ), and (b) the cell line involved, i.e. myeloid (also called myelocytic , myeloblastic , granulocytic or lymphoid (also called lymphatic , lymphoblastic , lymphocytic ). The incidence of the disease is growing and the increase is only partially explained by increased efficiency of detection. Treatment is primarily with chemotherapy but this may also be combined with radiotherapy (radiation treatment), removal of the spleen and bone marrow transplants . Antibiotics are commonly required.

Greek - leukós = white +

Greek - haîma = blood

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