Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia in Children
Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) is a type of cancer that affects the blood and bone marrow. It is one of the most common types of cancer in children, and it is the most common type of leukemia in children. According to the American Cancer Society, ALL is the most common type of cancer in children younger than 15 years old. It is estimated that there are 3,700 new cases of ALL in the United States every year.
What Age Can a Child Get Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia?
ALL can occur in children of any age, but it is most common in children younger than 10 years old. According to the American Cancer Society, approximately 80% of children diagnosed with ALL are between the ages of 2 and 5. It is also more common in boys than it is in girls.
Risk Factors for Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia
There are certain risk factors that can increase a child's chance of developing ALL. These include having a family history of the disease, having certain genetic conditions, having certain inherited immunodeficiencies, and being exposed to certain chemicals and radiation.
Symptoms of Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia
The most common symptoms of ALL are fatigue, paleness, fever, easy bruising or bleeding, bone and joint pain, swollen lymph nodes, and a feeling of fullness in the abdomen. These symptoms may come on slowly or appear suddenly. If your child has any of these symptoms, it is important to see a doctor right away.
Treatment of Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia
The treatment for ALL varies depending on the stage of the disease and the age of the child. The treatment typically involves chemotherapy, radiation, and sometimes a stem cell transplant. The goal of treatment is to put the disease into remission, and then maintain that remission with follow-up treatments.
If your child has been diagnosed with ALL, it is important to talk to your doctor about the best treatment plan for your child.