What is the typical outcome of leukemia on blood cells?

Leukemia predominantly affects the blood and bone marrow, leading to the overproduction of abnormal white blood cells, which is why the presence of a large number of abnormal blood cells is characteristic. This overproduction interferes with the normal functioning of the bone marrow, which is responsible for producing healthy blood cells. As a result, the body may be unable to produce sufficient amounts of red blood cells and platelets, contributing to symptoms such as anemia and increased susceptibility to bruising or bleeding.

In patients with leukemia, these abnormal cells can proliferate uncontrollably, disrupting the balance of different types of blood cells. Normal cell production is compromised, resulting in either a significant increase in the volume of abnormal cells or a decrease in the levels of functional cells. Understanding this pathology is crucial in recognizing the overall impact of leukemia on blood cell quality and function, leading to various clinical manifestations.