Final answer:
Leukemia is a group of bone marrow cancers characterized by uncontrolled division of white blood cells, which can lead to various symptoms and affects both adults and children. It disrupts normal blood cell functions and requires treatment that may extend life or potentially cure the disease.
Step-by-step explanation:
What is a group of red bone marrow cancers where there is uncontrolled white blood cell division?
Leukemia is a group of red bone marrow cancers characterized by the uncontrolled division of white blood cells. It originates in the bone marrow, where hematopoiesis — the process of blood cell production — takes place. In leukemia, abnormal blood cells are produced in large numbers, which can lead to symptoms such as fatigue, frequent infections, and easy bruising or bleeding. These abnormal white blood cells may either be immature or mature leukocytes that accumulate and fail to die. The rapid and disordered proliferation of these cells disrupts normal blood cell function and can be life-threatening.
Leukemia is most commonly associated with an overproduction of white blood cells, but it can also affect other blood cells. It typically presents in two forms: acute leukemia, which involves an overproduction of immature white blood cells, and chronic leukemia, which features an accumulation of mature white blood cells. Treatment options for leukemia have improved over time, offering hope for prolonged life and potential cures for those affected by the disease.