There are two major types of white blood cells—granulocytic (myeloid) 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.
