Aplastic Anemia vs. Leukemia — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman — Published on November 10, 2023
Aplastic Anemia is a condition where bone marrow fails to produce enough blood cells, while Leukemia is a cancer where bone marrow produces abnormal white blood cells.
Difference Between Aplastic Anemia and Leukemia
Table of Contents
ADVERTISEMENT
Key Differences
Aplastic Anemia and Leukemia are both disorders that impact the bone marrow and blood, but they arise from distinct causes and manifest differently. Aplastic Anemia is characterized by a deficiency in the production of all types of blood cells due to the failure of bone marrow. Leukemia, conversely, is a form of cancer where the bone marrow produces an excessive number of abnormal white blood cells.
The origin of Aplastic Anemia is often unknown, though it can be linked to radiation, certain medications, or autoimmune diseases. In this condition, the bone marrow's cell-producing capability diminishes or halts, leading to anemia, increased risk of infections, and bleeding issues. Leukemia, on the other hand, begins when DNA mutations occur in a bone marrow cell, causing uncontrolled growth and crowding out healthy cells.
Symptomatically, Aplastic Anemia and Leukemia might overlap, with both conditions presenting fatigue, paleness, or increased susceptibility to infections. However, Leukemia often has additional symptoms like bone pain, swollen lymph nodes, and weight loss, given its cancerous nature.
Treatment for Aplastic Anemia often involves bone marrow transplants, immunosuppressive drugs, or blood transfusions, aiming to boost blood cell counts. Leukemia's treatment often encompasses chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or stem cell transplants, targeting the cancerous cells.
Prognosis varies for both conditions. Aplastic Anemia can be fatal if untreated, but recovery rates are promising with proper medical care. Leukemia's prognosis depends on its type, stage, and the patient's overall health, with some forms being more treatable than others.
ADVERTISEMENT
Comparison Chart
Nature of Condition
Bone marrow failure
Bone marrow cancer
Blood Cell Impact
Reduced production of all blood cells
Overproduction of abnormal white blood cells
Common Causes
Unknown, radiation, certain drugs
DNA mutations in bone marrow cells
Primary Symptoms
Fatigue, increased infections, bleeding issues
Fatigue, bone pain, swollen lymph nodes, weight loss
Treatment Approaches
Transplants, immunosuppressive drugs, transfusions
Chemotherapy, radiation, stem cell transplants
Compare with Definitions
Aplastic Anemia
Reduced production of all blood cells
Overproduction of abnormal white blood cells
Leukemia
A cancer affecting blood and bone marrow, leading to abnormal white blood cells.
Leukemia patients often undergo chemotherapy as part of their treatment.
Aplastic Anemia
Nature of Condition
Bone marrow failure
Leukemia
A cancer often treated with chemotherapy, radiation, or stem cell transplants.
His Leukemia responded well to the combination of chemotherapy and radiation.
Aplastic Anemia
Bone marrow cancer
Blood Cell Impact
Leukemia
A malignancy characterized by an uncontrolled growth of immature white blood cells.
Due to Leukemia, her bone marrow produced excessive white blood cells.
Aplastic Anemia
DNA mutations in bone marrow cells
Primary Symptoms
Leukemia
A condition diagnosed via bone marrow tests or blood tests.
After her blood test showed abnormal results, she was diagnosed with Leukemia.
Aplastic Anemia
Fatigue, increased infections, bleeding issues
Fatigue, bone pain, swollen lymph nodes, weight loss
Leukemia
A disease with different types, including acute or chronic forms.
Acute myeloid leukemia is one subtype of Leukemia that affects adults.
Aplastic Anemia
Treatment Approaches
Transplants, immunosuppressive drugs, transfusions
Leukemia
Any of various acute or chronic neoplastic diseases of the bone marrow in which unrestrained proliferation of white blood cells occurs, usually accompanied by anemia, impaired blood clotting, and enlargement of the lymph nodes, liver, and spleen.
Aplastic Anemia
Common Causes
Unknown, radiation, certain drugs
Leukemia
Any of a class of types of cancer affecting the blood cells, especially the white blood cells (usually with massive leukocytosis), and the blood cell–forming (hematopoietic) tissues.
The subjects suffered from lymphoblastic and myeloid leukemias.
Aplastic Anemia
Chemotherapy, radiation, stem cell transplants
Leukemia
Malignant neoplasm of blood-forming tissues; characterized by abnormal proliferation of leukocytes; one of the four major types of cancer
Common Curiosities
Can Aplastic Anemia develop into Leukemia?
Rarely, but there's a slight risk of developing leukemia after certain Aplastic Anemia treatments.
Are there specific triggers for either condition?
Certain drugs, radiation, and toxins can trigger Aplastic Anemia, while Leukemia's exact causes remain unclear.
Can children be affected by both conditions?
Yes, both Aplastic Anemia and Leukemia can affect individuals of all ages.
Can both conditions be inherited?
While some genetic factors may increase risks, both can also arise from non-genetic causes.
Which condition is more common?
Leukemia is more common than Aplastic Anemia.
How are Aplastic Anemia and Leukemia diagnosed?
Through blood tests, bone marrow biopsies, and other diagnostic tools.
Are fatigue and weakness symptoms for both?
Yes, both Aplastic Anemia and Leukemia can present fatigue as a primary symptom.
How do Aplastic Anemia and Leukemia affect the bone marrow?
Aplastic Anemia results in reduced cell production, while Leukemia causes excessive production of abnormal white cells.
Can infections trigger either condition?
Some infections might increase Aplastic Anemia risk, while the link between infections and Leukemia is less clear.
Do Aplastic Anemia and Leukemia affect other organs?
While primarily impacting bone marrow and blood, they can indirectly affect other body parts.
Is a bone marrow transplant a treatment option for both?
Yes, transplants can be used for severe Aplastic Anemia cases and some Leukemia types.
Is frequent bruising a symptom in both conditions?
Yes, due to low platelet counts in Aplastic Anemia and abnormal white cell proliferation in Leukemia.
How do the survival rates compare?
It varies by condition type and severity, but treatments have improved survival rates for both.
Are there preventive measures for either condition?
While no direct preventive measures exist, reducing exposure to risk factors can help.
How long is the typical treatment duration for both?
Treatment duration varies based on condition severity, type, and individual health factors.
Share Your Discovery
Previous Comparison
With vs. Along With
Next Comparison
Chronic Hunger vs. Seasonal HungerAuthor Spotlight
Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
