Acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL) Health Article

Definition

Acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL) is a fast-growing cancer in which the body produces a large number of immature white blood cells (lymphocytes). These cells are found in the blood, bone marrow, lymph nodes, spleen, and other organs.

Alternative Names

ALL; Acute childhood leukemia; Cancer - acute childhood leukemia (ALL); Leukemia - acute childhood (ALL)

Causes, incidence, and risk factors

ALL makes up 80% of childhood acute leukemias. Most cases occur in children ages 3 - 7. The disease may also occur in adults.

In acute leukemia, cancerous cells multiply quickly and replace normal cells. Cancerous cells take over normal parts of the bone marrow, causing bone marrow failure. A person with ALL is more likely to bleed and have infections because there are fewer normal blood cells.

Most cases of ALL have no obvious cause. However, the following may play a role in the development of leukemia:

• Chromosome problems
• Radiation
• Some chemotherapy drugs
• Toxins such as benzene

Persons with Down syndrome or who have a brother or sister with leukemia are at increased risk for ALL.

Symptoms

• Bleeding gums
• Bone pain or tenderness
• Easy bruising
• Excessive or prolonged bleeding
• Fatigue
• Fever
• Joint pain
• Infection
• Menstrual irregularities
• Nosebleeds
• Paleness
• Palpitations
• Pinpoint red spots on the skin (petechiae)
• Shortness of breath (made worse by exercise)
• Swollen glands (lymphadenopathy)
• Swollen gums
• Unintentional weight loss