Acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL), also known as acute lymphoblastic leukemia, is a type of cancer that affects the blood and bone marrow. It is characterized by the overproduction of immature white blood cells, known as lymphoblasts, which do not function properly and can crowd out healthy blood cells.
ALL is the most common type of cancer in children, but it can also affect adults. The exact cause of ALL is not known, but it is thought to result from genetic mutations that lead to uncontrolled cell growth in the bone marrow.
Symptoms of ALL can include:
- Fatigue and weakness
- Fever and chills
- Frequent infections
- Easy bruising or bleeding
- Shortness of breath
- Bone pain or tenderness
- Swollen lymph nodes or abdomen
Diagnosis of ALL is made through blood tests and a bone marrow biopsy. Treatment for ALL involves chemotherapy to kill the cancer cells and is often combined with other treatments such as targeted therapy, radiation therapy, and stem cell transplant.
The outlook for ALL depends on factors such as the patient’s age, overall health, and the genetic characteristics of the cancer. Children with ALL tend to have a better prognosis than adults, and early detection and treatment are key to improving outcomes.
