Definition

Noun: A rapidly progressing form of leukemia, a cancer of the body's blood-forming tissues, characterized by the rapid increase of immature, non-functional white blood cells (blasts) in the bone marrow and blood.

Usage

This medical term is used to describe a specific, aggressive type of leukemia. It is typically modified by the specific cell type involved (e.g., acute lymphoblastic leukemia, acute myeloid leukemia). * The patient was diagnosed with acute leukemia and began chemotherapy immediately. * Acute leukemia requires prompt and intensive treatment.

Advanced Usage

• The term is often contrasted with "chronic leukemia," which progresses more slowly.
• In clinical contexts, the specific subtype (e.g., ALL for acute lymphoblastic leukemia) is usually specified for precise diagnosis and treatment planning.

Variants and Related Words

• Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL): A type of acute leukemia that arises from lymphoid cells.
• Acute myeloid leukemia (AML): A type of acute leukemia that arises from myeloid cells.
• Leukemia: The general term for cancers of the blood-forming tissues.
• Blast: An immature blood cell, typically seen in high numbers in acute leukemia.

Synonyms

• Rapidly progressing leukemia

Antonyms

• Chronic leukemia

Noun

1. rapidly progressing leukemia