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Products & Services: Book: Mayo Clinic Family Health Book, 5th Edition
Products & Services: Book: Mayo Clinic Family Health Book, 5th Edition
Products & Services: Book: Mayo Clinic Family Health Book, 5th Edition
Acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL) is a type of cancer of the blood and bone marrow —
the spongy tissue inside bones where blood cells are made.
The word "acute" in acute lymphocytic leukemia comes from the fact that the disease
progresses rapidly and creates immature blood cells, rather than mature ones. The
word "lymphocytic" in acute lymphocytic leukemia refers to the white blood cells called
lymphocytes, which ALL affects. Acute lymphocytic leukemia is also known as acute
lymphoblastic leukemia.
Acute lymphocytic leukemia is the most common type of cancer in children, and
treatments result in a good chance for a cure. Acute lymphocytic leukemia can also
occur in adults, though the chance of a cure is greatly reduced.
Symptoms
Bone pain
Fever
Frequent infections
Lumps caused by swollen lymph nodes in and around the neck, armpits,
abdomen or groin
Pale skin
Shortness of breath
Weakness, fatigue or a general decrease in energy
Make an appointment with your doctor or your child's doctor if you notice any persistent
signs and symptoms that concern you.
Many signs and symptoms of acute lymphocytic leukemia mimic those of the flu.
However, flu signs and symptoms eventually improve. If signs and symptoms don't
improve as expected, make an appointment with your doctor.
Causes
Acute lymphocytic leukemia occurs when a bone marrow cell develops changes
(mutations) in its genetic material or DNA. A cell's DNA contains the instructions that tell
a cell what to do. Normally, the DNA tells the cell to grow at a set rate and to die at a set
time. In acute lymphocytic leukemia, the mutations tell the bone marrow cell to continue
growing and dividing.
When this happens, blood cell production becomes out of control. The bone marrow
produces immature cells that develop into leukemic white blood cells called
lymphoblasts. These abnormal cells are unable to function properly, and they can build
up and crowd out healthy cells.
It's not clear what causes the DNA mutations that can lead to acute lymphocytic
leukemia.
Risk factors
Factors that may increase the risk of acute lymphocytic leukemia include: