Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) is a type of cancer that affects the white blood cells in children. It is the most common type of childhood cancer, accounting for about 25 percent of all cancer cases in children younger than 15 years old. The average age at which children are diagnosed with ALL is 5 years old.
What Is Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia?
Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) is a cancer of the white blood cells, called lymphocytes. Lymphocytes are responsible for fighting off infections and other foreign antigens. In ALL, the body produces an abnormal number of immature white blood cells. These cells are unable to fight off infections and can quickly outnumber normal white blood cells, leading to a weakened immune system and other health problems.
Who Is at Risk for Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia?
Children under the age of 15 are most likely to develop ALL. Boys are more likely than girls to be diagnosed with ALL. Other risk factors include being of Hispanic or African American descent, having a family history of ALL, and being born prematurely or with a low birth weight.
What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia?
The signs and symptoms of ALL can vary, but common signs and symptoms include:
• Fatigue
• Pale skin
• Bruising or bleeding easily
• Swollen lymph nodes
• Fever
• Weight loss
• Bone or joint pain
• Shortness of breath
• Loss of appetite
How Is Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia Diagnosed?
If a child is showing signs and symptoms of ALL, the doctor may order blood tests to check for signs of cancer. The doctor may also order imaging tests, such as X-rays or CT scans, to get a better look at the child's body. If it is determined that the child has ALL, the doctor will order additional tests to determine the type and stage of the cancer.
How Is Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia Treated?
Treatment for ALL will depend on the type and stage of the cancer. Treatment may include chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and stem cell transplant. In some cases, surgery may be necessary. The goals of treatment are to put the cancer into remission and to prevent the cancer from returning.