Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia (ALL)

Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia (ALL)

Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia (ALL) is a type of blood cancer that originates in the lymphoid cells of the bone marrow. It is most commonly diagnosed in children but can also occur in adults. ALL progresses rapidly and requires prompt treatment.

Causes and Risk Factors

The exact cause of ALL is not well understood, but certain risk factors may increase the likelihood of developing the disease, including genetic predispositions, exposure to high levels of radiation, and certain viral infections.

Symptoms

Common symptoms of ALL include fatigue, fever, frequent infections, easy bruising or bleeding, bone or joint pain, and swollen lymph nodes. Symptoms can vary based on the stage and progression of the disease.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis typically involves blood tests to check for abnormal white blood cells and a bone marrow biopsy to confirm the presence of leukemia cells. Additional tests, such as lumbar puncture or imaging studies, may be used to determine the extent of the disease.

Treatment

Treatment for ALL usually involves a combination of chemotherapy, targeted therapy, and sometimes radiation therapy. Stem cell transplants may be considered in certain cases. The treatment plan depends on factors such as the patient’s age, overall health, and specific characteristics of the leukemia.