Acute Leukemia

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

Bleeding from the gums

Bone pain

Fever

Frequent infections

Frequent or severe nosebleeds

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

Causes

Acute lymphocytic leukemia occurs when a bone marrow cell develops changes 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.