Leukemia
Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia
What is acute lymphocytic leukemia?
Acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL) is a cancer of the blood in which too many lymphocytes,
a type of white blood cell, are produced by the bone marrow and by organs of the
lymph system.
Normally, the lymphocytes fight infection by making antibodies that attack harmful
elements. But, in ALL, the cells are immature and overabundant. They crowd out other
blood cells, and may collect in the blood, bone marrow, and lymph tissue.
Acute leukemia can occur over a short period of days to weeks. Chromosome abnormalities
(extra chromosomes and structural changes in the chromosome material) are present
in the majority of all patients.
ALL is more common in children than adults, with most children under the age of
10 when the cancer is found. According to the American Cancer Society, of the 33,440
leukemia cases expected in 2004 about 15,750 will be acute. ALL will account for
3,830 of the acute cases in 2004. The chance of someone 50 years old developing
ALL is one in 125,000.
What are the symptoms of acute lymphocytic leukemia?
The following are the most common symptoms of acute lymphocytic leukemia. However,
each individual may experience symptoms differently. Symptoms may include:
- anemia
- bleeding
- bruising
- fever
- persistent weakness
- fatigue
- aches in bones and joints
- swollen lymph nodes
The symptoms of acute lymphocytic leukemia may resemble other blood disorders or
medical problems. Always consult your physician for a diagnosis.
How is acute lymphocytic leukemia diagnosed?
In addition to a complete medical history and physical examination, diagnostic procedures
for acute lymphocytic leukemia may include the following:
- additional blood tests and other evaluation procedures
- bone marrow aspiration and biopsy - a procedure that involves taking a small amount
of bone marrow fluid (aspiration) and/or solid bone marrow tissue (called a core
biopsy), usually from the hip bones, to be examined for the number, size, and maturity
of blood cells and/or abnormal cells.
- spinal tap/lumbar puncture - a special needle is placed into the lower back, into
the spinal canal. This is the area around the spinal cord. The pressure in the spinal
canal and brain can then be measured. A small amount of cerebral spinal fluid (CSF)
can be removed and sent for testing to determine if there is an infection or other
problems. CSF is the fluid that bathes the brain and spinal cord.
Treatment for acute lymphocytic leukemia
Specific treatment for acute lymphocytic leukemia will be determined by your physician
based on:
- your age, overall health, and medical history
- extent of the disease
- your tolerance for specific medications, procedures, or therapies
- expectations for the course of the disease
- your opinion or preference
Treatment may include:
- chemotherapy
- radiation therapy
- bone marrow transplantation