Leukemia, lymphoma, and myeloma are neoplastic proliferative blood cell disorders. These disorders are considered malignant (cancerous) conditions.
Leukemias usually originate in the bone marrow but can invade other tissues, including the lymphatic system. In contrast, lymphomas originate in the lymphoid tissues but can invade other tissues, including the bone marrow. Leukemias frequently involves white blood cells, although red blood cells and platelets can also be involved.
Myelomas are a more specific type of disease. The malignancy involves plasma cells, specific lymphocytes that have already been recognized and responded to antigens and are often located in the bone marrow.
Two significant groupings of leukemia are acute leukemias and chronic leukemias.
