Acute lymphocytic leukemia is a type of cancer of the blood and bone marrow (the spongy tissue located inside the bones, where blood cells are produced).
The word “acute” refers to the fact that the disease progresses rapidly and creates immature blood cells instead of mature ones. The word “lymphocytic” refers to the white blood cells, called lymphocytes, that are affected in acute lymphocytic leukemia. Acute lymphocytic leukemia is also known as acute lymphoblastic leukemia.
Acute lymphocytic leukemia is the most common type of cancer in children, and treatments offer good chances of a cure. Acute lymphocytic leukemia can also occur in adults, although the chances of a cure are greatly reduced.
The signs and symptoms of acute lymphocytic leukemia may include the following:
- Bleeding gums
- Bone pain
- Fever
- Frequent infections
- Frequent or heavy nosebleeds
- Lumps caused by swelling of the lymph nodes in or around the neck, armpits, abdomen, or groin
- Pale skin
- Shortness of breath
- Weakness, fatigue, or a general decrease in energy
When to see a doctor.
Schedule an appointment with your doctor or your child’s doctor if you notice any persistent signs or symptoms that worry you.
Many of the signs and symptoms of acute lymphocytic leukemia are similar to those of the flu. However, flu-like signs and symptoms usually improve over time. If your signs and symptoms do not improve as expected, schedule an appointment with your doctor.
What are the causes?
Acute lymphocytic leukemia occurs when a bone marrow cell develops errors in its DNA. These errors instruct the cell to continue growing and dividing, whereas a healthy cell would normally stop dividing and eventually die. When this happens, blood cell production becomes abnormal. The bone marrow produces immature cells that develop into leukemia-infected white blood cells called lymphoblasts. These abnormal cells are unable to function properly and can proliferate and crowd out healthy cells.
The cause of the DNA mutations that can lead to acute lymphocytic leukemia is unclear. But doctors have found that most cases of acute lymphocytic leukemia are not inherited.
Risk factors.
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