Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) is a type of cancer that starts in the bone marrow and affects the blood and lymphatic system. It is the most common type of cancer in children, accounting for 25% of all cases.

What is Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia?

The bone marrow is the soft, spongy tissue inside the bones that produces blood cells. In ALL, the bone marrow produces too many immature white blood cells called lymphoblasts.

These abnormal cells do not function properly and accumulate in the bone marrow, preventing the production of normal blood cells. As a result, children with ALL are at risk of developing infections, anemia, and bleeding problems.

Causes of Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia

The exact cause of ALL is unknown, but research suggests that it is a result of genetic mutations that occur during fetal development.

These mutations can occur in various genes, but some of the most common are associated with the production and maturation of white blood cells.

Research has also identified a few risk factors for developing ALL, including:.

Exposure to high levels of radiation
Exposure to chemicals, such as benzene
Having a sibling with ALL
Having certain genetic disorders, such as Down syndrome

Symptoms of Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia

The symptoms of ALL can vary depending on the stage of the disease, but some common signs and symptoms include:.

Fever
Fatigue
Unexplained weight loss
Bone and joint pain
Easy bruising or bleeding
Frequent infections
Enlarged lymph nodes, liver, or spleen

Diagnosis of Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia

If a child has symptoms of ALL, a doctor will perform a physical exam, blood tests, and a bone marrow biopsy to confirm the diagnosis.

During a bone marrow biopsy, a small sample of bone marrow is taken from the hip bone and examined under a microscope.

The doctor may also order additional tests, such as a spinal tap or imaging tests, to determine the stage and extent of the disease.

Treatment of Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia

The treatment of ALL typically involves a combination of chemotherapy, radiation, and sometimes a bone marrow transplant. The goal of treatment is to kill the cancer cells while minimizing the damage to normal cells.

Chemotherapy is the mainstay of treatment for ALL. It involves the use of powerful drugs to kill the cancer cells. Chemotherapy is usually given in cycles, with periods of rest in between to allow the body to recover.

Radiation therapy may also be used to treat ALL. It uses high-energy beams of radiation to kill the cancer cells. Radiation therapy is usually given after chemotherapy to kill any remaining cancer cells.

A bone marrow transplant may be necessary for some children with ALL. It involves replacing the diseased bone marrow with healthy bone marrow from a donor. This procedure is typically reserved for children with advanced or recurrent disease.

Prognosis for Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia

The prognosis for children with ALL has improved significantly in recent years. The overall survival rate for children with ALL is around 90%.

However, the prognosis can vary depending on various factors, such as the age of the child at diagnosis, the stage and subtype of the disease, and the response to treatment.

Prevention of Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia

Because the exact cause of ALL is unknown, it is not possible to prevent the disease. However, there are some steps that parents and caregivers can take to reduce a child’s risk of developing ALL, such as:.