Anemia
Anemia and Leukemia: What is the Difference?
Anemia is a condition characterized by a decrease in the number of red blood cells or in the amount of hemoglobin in the blood. Hemoglobin is an iron-containing protein that carries oxygen from the lungs to the body's tissues. People with anemia may feel tired, weak, and short of breath.
Leukemia
Leukemia: What is it?
Leukemia is a type of cancer of the blood and bone marrow. It is caused by a rapid increase in the number of white blood cells. These abnormal cells crowd out the normal blood cells, making it hard for the body to fight off infection and other diseases. Leukemia also affects the production of red blood cells, which can result in anemia.
When Does Anemia Become Leukemia?
Anemia does not directly cause leukemia, and there is no definitive point at which anemia becomes leukemia. In some cases, anemia can be a symptom of leukemia, but this is not always the case. If you have anemia and are experiencing other symptoms such as fatigue, fever, and night sweats, you should seek medical attention as soon as possible to rule out the possibility of leukemia.