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.

Signs and symptoms of acute lymphocytic leukemia may include:

Bleeding from the gums

Bone pain
Fever
Frequent infections
Frequent or severe nosebleeds
Lumps caused by swollen lymph nodes in and around the neck, underarm, abdomen or groin
Pale skin
Shortness of breath
Weakness, fatigue or a general decrease in energy

Causes
Acute lymphocytic leukemia occurs when a bone marrow cell develops errors in its DNA. The errors tell the cell to continue
growing and dividing, when a healthy cell would normally stop dividing and eventually die. When this happens, blood cell
production becomes abnormal. 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. But doctors have found that most
cases of acute lymphocytic leukemia aren't inherited.

Risk factors
Factors that may increase the risk of acute lymphocytic leukemia include:

Previous cancer treatment. Children and adults who've had certain types of chemotherapy and radiation therapy for other
kinds of cancer may have an increased risk of developing acute lymphocytic leukemia.
Exposure to radiation. People exposed to very high levels of radiation, such as survivors of a nuclear reactor accident, have
an increased risk of developing acute lymphocytic leukemia.
Genetic disorders. Certain genetic disorders, such as Down syndrome, are associated with an increased risk of acute
lymphocytic leukemia.
Having a brother or sister with ALL. People who have a sibling, including a twin, with acute lymphocytic leukemia have an
increased risk of ALL.

Other factors that have been studied for a possible link to ALL include:

Exposure to electromagnetic fields (such as living near power lines or using cell phones)
Workplace exposure to diesel, gasoline, pesticides, and certain other chemicals
Smoking
Exposure to hair dyes

Age
ALL is more likely to occur in children and in adults over the age of 50.

Race/ethnicity
ALL is more common in whites than in African Americans, but the reasons for this are not clear.
Gender
ALL is slightly more common in males than in females. The reason for this is unknown.

Having an identical twin with ALL

Someone who has an identical twin who develops ALL in the first year of life has an increased risk of getting ALL.

Uncertain, unproven or controversial risk factors

Other factors that have been studied for a possible link to ALL include:

Exposure to electromagnetic fields (such as living near power lines or using cell phones)
Workplace exposure to diesel, gasoline, pesticides, and certain other chemicals
Smoking
Exposure to hair dyes
So far, none of these factors has been linked conclusively to ALL, but research in these areas continues.