Acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL)
About Acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL)
Acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL) is the abnormal growth of cells in the bone marrow. The bone marrow is the soft spongy material contained in the center of the bones. There are several types of white blood cells normally produced by the bone marrow. These include neutrophils, basophils, eosinophils, lymphocytes and monoctes. In this disease, the normal marrow production is replaced by predominantly immature lymphocytes. In the United States, Acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL) is the most common type of cancer and leaukemia in children.Symptoms
Symptoms include fever without a infection, fatigue, dizziness, shortness of breath, pale skin, frequent nosebleeds, and bleeding gums. There may be lumps on the skin from swollen lymph nodes and these are ususally seen in the neck, under the arms and in the groin. Patients may experience fullness in the left upper abdomen from enlargement of the spleen.Tests & Diagnostics
A complete history and physical exam will be performed. The diagnosis is often made by blood and imaging tests such as a CT scan or CXR. Ultimately, a bone marrow biopsy may be required to confirm the diagnosis.Common tests: Bone marrow biopsy, Complete blood count (CBC), Comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP), CT Scan, Partial throboplastin time (PTT), X-ray, Prothrombin (PT).
Conventional treatment summary
Treatment will include a combination of chemotherapies. Some patients may be selected for bone marrow transplantation.Medical specialties
Internal Medicine · Pediatrics · Family Practice · Hematology and Oncology · Pediatric Hematology and Oncology
This page is educational content, not medical advice. Always consult a qualified clinician for diagnosis and treatment of Acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL).