Classification of the acute leukemias: Cytochemical and morphologic considerations

Abstract

The acute leukemias are a heterogeneous group of neoplasms affecting uncommitted or partially committed hematopoietic stem cells. The origin of the malignant neoplasm is almost invariably within the marrow. Replacement of the marrow pulp or the repression of normal hematopoietic cells results in variable degrees of anemia, neutropenia, and thrombocytopenia.