Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), also known as acute lymphocytic leukemia, is a cancer of the white blood cells, characterised by the overproduction and continuous multiplication of malignant and immature white blood cells (referred to as lymphoblasts) in the bone marrow. It is a hematological malignancy. It is fatal if left untreated as ALL spreads into the bloodstream and other vital organs quickly. ALL is most common in childhood with a peak incidence of 4-5 years of age. Now at least 50% of childhood ALL are considered curable. Acute refers to the undifferentiated, immature state of the circulating lymphocytes ("blasts"), and that the disease progresses rapidly with life expectancy of weeks to months if left untreated.
Symptoms:
Initial symptoms are not specific to ALL, but worsen to the point that medical help is sought. The signs and symptoms of ALL are variable but follow from bone marrow replacement and / or organ infiltration.
Generalised weakness and fatigue Anemia Frequent or unexplained fever and infections
Weight loss and/or loss of appetite
Excessive bruising or bleeding from wounds, nosebleeds, petechiae (red pinpoints on the skin)
Bone pain, joint pains (caused by the spread of "blast" cells to the surface of the bone or into the joint from the marrow cavity)
Breathlessness
Enlarged lymph nodes, liver and/or spleen
The signs and symptoms of ALL result from the lack of normal and healthy blood cells because they are crowded out by malignant and immature white blood cells. Therefore, people with ALL experience symptoms from their red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets not functioning properly. Laboratory tests which might show abnormalities include blood counts, renal functions, electrolytes and liver enzymes.
Treatment:
The earlier acute lymphocytic leukemia is detected, the more effective the treatment. The aim is to induce a lasting remission, defined as the absence of detectable cancer cells in the body (usually less than 5% blast cells on the bone marrow).
Treatment for acute leukemia can include chemotherapy, steroids, radiation therapy, intensive combined treatments (including bone marrow or stem cell transplants), and growth factors.
Saturday, June 9, 2007
Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), also known as acute lymphocytic leukemia, is a cancer of the white blood cells, characterised by the overproduction and continuous multiplication of malignant and immature white blood cells (referred to as lymphoblasts) in the bone marrow. It is a hematological malignancy. It is fatal if left untreated as ALL spreads into the bloodstream and other vital organs quickly. ALL is most common in childhood with a peak incidence of 4-5 years of age. Now at least 50% of childhood ALL are considered curable. Acute refers to the undifferentiated, immature state of the circulating lymphocytes ("blasts"), and that the disease progresses rapidly with life expectancy of weeks to months if left untreated.
Symptoms:
Initial symptoms are not specific to ALL, but worsen to the point that medical help is sought. The signs and symptoms of ALL are variable but follow from bone marrow replacement and / or organ infiltration.
Generalised weakness and fatigue Anemia Frequent or unexplained fever and infections
Weight loss and/or loss of appetite
Excessive bruising or bleeding from wounds, nosebleeds, petechiae (red pinpoints on the skin)
Bone pain, joint pains (caused by the spread of "blast" cells to the surface of the bone or into the joint from the marrow cavity)
Breathlessness
Enlarged lymph nodes, liver and/or spleen
The signs and symptoms of ALL result from the lack of normal and healthy blood cells because they are crowded out by malignant and immature white blood cells. Therefore, people with ALL experience symptoms from their red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets not functioning properly. Laboratory tests which might show abnormalities include blood counts, renal functions, electrolytes and liver enzymes.
Treatment:
The earlier acute lymphocytic leukemia is detected, the more effective the treatment. The aim is to induce a lasting remission, defined as the absence of detectable cancer cells in the body (usually less than 5% blast cells on the bone marrow).
Treatment for acute leukemia can include chemotherapy, steroids, radiation therapy, intensive combined treatments (including bone marrow or stem cell transplants), and growth factors.
Symptoms:
Initial symptoms are not specific to ALL, but worsen to the point that medical help is sought. The signs and symptoms of ALL are variable but follow from bone marrow replacement and / or organ infiltration.
Generalised weakness and fatigue Anemia Frequent or unexplained fever and infections
Weight loss and/or loss of appetite
Excessive bruising or bleeding from wounds, nosebleeds, petechiae (red pinpoints on the skin)
Bone pain, joint pains (caused by the spread of "blast" cells to the surface of the bone or into the joint from the marrow cavity)
Breathlessness
Enlarged lymph nodes, liver and/or spleen
The signs and symptoms of ALL result from the lack of normal and healthy blood cells because they are crowded out by malignant and immature white blood cells. Therefore, people with ALL experience symptoms from their red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets not functioning properly. Laboratory tests which might show abnormalities include blood counts, renal functions, electrolytes and liver enzymes.
Treatment:
The earlier acute lymphocytic leukemia is detected, the more effective the treatment. The aim is to induce a lasting remission, defined as the absence of detectable cancer cells in the body (usually less than 5% blast cells on the bone marrow).
Treatment for acute leukemia can include chemotherapy, steroids, radiation therapy, intensive combined treatments (including bone marrow or stem cell transplants), and growth factors.
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