Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia
Also known as: Acute
Lymphocytic Leukemia, ALL, Leukemia
What
is it?
Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL)
is one type of malignancy of the blood producing area of the body.
During leukemia, the marrow production and function are impaired because
of an overproduction of blast cells. Blast cells are immature (leukemia)
white blood cells. A small number of cells within a normal bone marrow
are blast cells. However, when they become the dominant cell,
leukemia is diagnosed.
Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia is
the most common malignancy of childhood, accounting for 1/3 of all
childhood cancers. There are approximately 2000 cases diagnosed in
the United States each year. The incidence is about 4 per 100,000
children under age 15. Children can develop leukemia at any age,
but the peak incidence is approximately 4 years of age. It is more
common in boys than girls. There is no clear cause at this time,
although a number of causes are being investigated such as environmental
factors and genetics.
Normally, there are three blood
components produced by the bone marrow
- Red blood cells-carry oxygen
and provide energy.
- White blood cells-assist the
body in fighting infections.
- Platelets-assist in the
clotting of the blood.
What
causes it?
We do
not know what causes childhood cancers, but we do know that lifestyle factors and
environment play little role. We do know that there are risk factors that are both genetic
and environmental. Research has particularly focused on how environmental factors in the
presence of specific genetic changes promote cancer. An example of a genetic change that
is associated with having an increased risk of childhood cancer is Down’s syndrome.
Children with Down’s syndrome have an extra chromosome and have a 20 fold increased
risk of developing leukemia.
What
are the symptoms?
Symptoms of leukemia are
associated with the impaired production and function of these components
such as:
- Paleness
- Tiredness
- Bleeding or bruising
- Recurrent fevers
The duration of symptoms prior to
diagnosis can last from days to months because of the non-specific
nature of the symptoms that can mimic other more common childhood
illness.
How is it diagnosed?
A diagnosis of leukemia can be made following a
bone marrow aspiration. A bone marrow
aspiration is typically performed under sedation.
It involves inserting a special needle into the
back hip bone (just above the buttocks) and
withdrawing a small amount of bone marrow that is
examined under a microscope to look for an excess
of blast cells.
Once a diagnosis is made other tests are
performed such as a spinal tap. This is to
look for leukemia cells in other parts of the
body.
What is the Treatment?
Leukemia is treated with special medications
known as chemotherapy. Radiation may also be
necessary in the treatment. Treatment
typically lasts 2-3 years and is tolerated quite
well by most children and is primarily provided on
an outpatient basis.
Treatment by a childhood cancer specialist is
preferable. Most childhood cancer centers belong
to the Children's Oncology Group. They are
responsible for the development of clinical trials
(treatment plans) specifically for children,
adolescents and young adults.
This information has been designed as a comprehensive and quick reference
guide written by our health care reviewers. The health information written
by our authors is intended to be a supplement to the care provided by your
physician. It is not intended nor implied to be a substitute for
professional medical advice.
|
