What is Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia?
Acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL) is a cancer that starts in the bone marrow, where blood cells are made. It causes the body to produce too many immature white blood cells that don’t function properly.
As these abnormal cells build up, they crowd out healthy blood cells. This can lead to infections, anemia, and bleeding problems.
ALL is caused by changes in the DNA of developing blood cells. While the exact reason isn’t always known, certain factors may increase the risk, such as prior radiation exposure, certain genetic conditions, or prior cancer treatment.
Symptoms
ALL symptoms can develop quickly and may feel similar to common illnesses at first. If symptoms don’t improve or worsen, it’s important to get checked.
Common symptoms include:
- Feeling very tired or weak
- Frequent infections or illnesses that don’t go away
- Fever without a clear reason
- Easy bruising or bleeding
- Pale skin
- Bone or joint pain
- Swollen lymph nodes (neck, armpits, or groin)
- Fullness or discomfort under the ribs
- Shortness of breath
- Loss of appetite or weight loss
- Night sweats
How is it diagnosed?
To diagnose ALL, your provider will begin with a physical exam and blood tests. These tests can show abnormal levels of blood cells.
If leukemia is suspected, a bone marrow biopsy is usually done to confirm the diagnosis. Additional tests, such as imaging or a spinal fluid test, may be performed to determine whether the disease has spread.
How is it treated?
Treatment for ALL typically starts quickly after diagnosis. The main approach is chemotherapy, which targets and destroys cancer cells.
Other treatments may include:
- Targeted therapy to attack specific cancer cell changes
- Immunotherapy to help the immune system fight cancer
- Radiation therapy in certain situations
- Stem cell transplant for higher-risk cases
Treatment often happens in phases over time. Many people, especially children, respond well to treatment. Ongoing follow-up care is important to monitor recovery and prevent relapse.
