Understanding Acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL): Causes, Symptoms, and Management

What is it?

acute lymphocytic or lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) is a cancer of the blood and bone marrow, in which the bone marrow makes too many lymphocytes (a type of white blood cell). This type of cancer usually gets worse quickly if it is not treated.
In ALL, too many stem cells become lymphoblasts, B lymphocytes, or T lymphocytes. These cells are also called leukemia cells. These leukemia cells are not able to fight infection very well. Also, as the number of leukemia cells increases in the blood and bone marrow, there is less room for healthy white blood cells, red blood cells, and platelets.

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Signs & symptoms

Signs and symptoms of adult ALL include fever, feeling tired, and easy bruising or bleeding. The early signs and symptoms of ALL may be like the flu or other common diseases.

Diagnosis

Your doctor will ask you about your symptoms and medical history, then he or she will perform a physical exam. The following tests will be done next:
- Blood tests- to check for any abnormality in your blood cells.
- Bone marrow aspiration and biopsy- a piece of your bone marrow, blood, and a small piece of bone will be removes by inserting a hollow needle into the hipbone or breastbone. The sample will be examined under the microscope to look for abnormal cells.

Treatment

Treatment for ALL is usually made up from 3 parts:
1) Remission induction therapy- The goal is to kill the leukemia cells in the blood and bone marrow, using chemotherapy (medication that will kill cancerous cells or stop their growing). This puts the leukemia into remission.
2) consolidation/intensification therapy- people generally get more chemotherapy, but in lower doses.
3) maintenance therapy- chemotherapy is usually given once a month, along with other medications. Most people are able to go back to their routine in that stage.

☝️ This is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Please consult with your physician before making any medical decision.

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Source of Information - We analyze big data of more than 23 million patients de-identified medical records from the following sources:

National Institution of Health ∙ World Health Organization ∙ University of Illinois hospital