and non-granulocytic (lymphoid). Under a microscope, myeloid cells contain particles (granules), lymphoid cells generally do not. The diagnosis may be confirmed by new techniques for identifying certain biological markers and chromosomal characteristics.

• Acute  An acute leukemia is associated
  with early (precursor) white blood cells
  called blast forms that do not become
  mature. These abnormal cells interfere
  with the production of the more mature
  cells normally seen in the bone marrow
  and blood, with the result that the normal
  cells are generally diminished or not seen
  at all. Because of the decreased number of
  normal cells, symptoms may include