As the body requires new blood cells, stem cells in the bone marrow can mature into either myeloid or lymphoid stem cells. Myeloid stem cells can further mature into myeloid blasts, which can become red blood cells, platelets, or different types of white blood cells.

On the other hand, lymphoid stem cells develop into lymphoid blasts, which can form types of white blood cells such as B cells or T cells. The types of white blood cells that come from from myeloid blasts differ significantly in function and characteristics from those derived from lymphoid blasts.

In leukemia, the process of blood cell development is disrupted. The bone marrow begins to produce abnormal white blood cells known as leukemia cells. Unlike normal cells, these leukemia cells do not die when they should; instead, they accumulate and may crowd out normal white blood cells, red blood cells, and platelets. This overproduction and accumulation hinder the normal function of blood cells, leading to the various symptoms and complications associated with leukemia.

If you're seeking additional information on leukemia, there are a variety of resources available that provide comprehensive insights into diagnosis, treatment options, and ongoing research. Trusted medical websites, patient advocacy organizations, and cancer research centers offer up-to-date, peer-reviewed information that can help patients and their families understand and manage the condition effectively.