A friend was just diagnosed with leukemia, is that a serious condition?

Serious: All leukemias are serious disorders. There are many different types of leukemia. Some may be slow growing and not cause many symptoms initially. Others are rapidly progressive and require urgent therapy. Even the less aggressive types can be life threatenint. It is important that your friend be evaluated by a hematologist or oncologist.

Yes: This is a malignancy arising from the white cell forming elements of the bone marrow. It crowds out the red cells and platlets leading to anemia, bleeding tendency and since the white cells produced are ineffective, infection is common. This is lethal unless treated and modern treatment can be very effective. Your friend probably is in the right track if the diagnosis has been made.