An acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) is a type of cancer that affects white blood cells called lymphocytes. In the body's immune system, lymphocytes fight infections and diseases. ALL results when lymphocytes divide and grow abnormally inside the bone marrow. An overproduction of immature and abnormal lymphocytes causes them to crowd out and interfere with the function of normal blood cells.
The exact cause of ALL is not known, but there are some factors that may increase the risk of developing it. These include:
Previous cancer treatment: Children and adults who have had certain types of chemotherapy and radiation therapy for other kinds of cancer may have an increased risk of developing ALL.
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 ALL.
Genetic disorders: Certain genetic disorders, such as Down syndrome, are associated with an increased risk of developing ALL.
Family history: Having a sibling or twin with ALL may increase the risk of developing it.
The symptoms of ALL may vary depending on the age and general health of the person. Some common symptoms include:
Anemia: This is a condition where the red blood cells are low in number or function. It can cause fatigue, weakness, pale skin, shortness of breath, and dizziness.
Bone pain: This is caused by the abnormal growth and pressure on the bones by the leukemia cells.
Fever: This is a sign that the body is fighting an infection or inflammation caused by the leukemia cells.
Frequent infections: This is due to the reduced ability of the immune system to fight off germs.
Frequent or severe bleeding from the nose or gums: This is due to low platelet count or impaired clotting ability.
Swollen lymph nodes in various parts of the body: These are small glands that filter out harmful substances from the blood. They can become enlarged due to leukemia cells invading them.
Weight loss: This is due to poor appetite, nausea, vomiting, or increased metabolism caused by leukemia.
To diagnose ALL, doctors use various tests to examine the blood and bone marrow for signs of abnormal cells. These tests may include:
Complete blood count (CBC): This measures the number and types of blood cells in a sample taken from a vein in your arm. It can show if you have anemia or low platelet count.
Blood smear: This involves looking at a drop of your blood under a microscope to see if there are any abnormal shapes or sizes in your white blood cells.
Bone marrow biopsy: This involves taking a small sample of your bone marrow using a needle inserted into your hip bone. The sample is then examined under a microscope to look for any abnormal white blood cells or other changes in your bone marrow.
Cytogenetic analysis: This involves analyzing your chromosomes using special techniques to look for any changes or mutations that may cause leukemia.
Immunophenotyping: This involves testing your white blood cells for their surface markers using special techniques to identify what type of lymphocyte they belong to.
Several factors determine the type and stage of leukemia, your response to previous treatments, and your personal preferences when it comes to ALL treatment. Treatment for ALL aims to cure or control the disease as much as possible while minimizing its side effects. The most common types of treatment are:
In this case, drugs are used to kill rapidly dividing cells, such as cancerous ones. Chemotherapy can be administered orally (by mouth), intravenously (in the vein), intramuscularly (in the muscle), intrathecally (in the spinal fluid), subcutaneously (under the skin), or topically (on the skin). Combining chemotherapy with other drugs or giving it alone can make it more effective.
In this treatment, high-energy rays or particles are used to damage cancerous cells' DNA and prevent them from growing and dividing. Radiation therapy can be administered externally (from outside the body) or internally (by introducing radioactive material within the body). It can be administered before, during, or after chemotherapy, or it can be used alone if chemotherapy does not work.
The damaged bone marrow is replaced with healthy stem cells from another person who has the same tissue type as you. You can undergo a stem cell transplant after high-dose chemotherapy followed by radiation therapy, or if you have relapsed leukemia after certain types of chemotherapy alone.
By targeting specific molecules, such as proteins, that play a role in the growth and survival of cancerous cells, these drugs can kill cancer cells without damaging healthy cells. In addition to chemotherapy or radiation therapy, targeted therapy is often used to treat leukemias that do not respond to other treatments.
There is no sure way to prevent ALL, but there are some steps that may lower the risk of developing it. These include:
Avoiding exposure to radiation and chemicals that may cause leukemia, such as benzene, pesticides, and tobacco smoke.
Eating a healthy diet that includes plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins.
Maintaining a healthy weight and being physically active.
Getting regular check-ups and blood tests to detect any signs of leukemia early.
Diagnosed and treated promptly, acute lymphoblastic leukemia is a life-threatening disease. However, with advances in medical technology and research, the survival rate and quality of life for people with ALL have improved significantly over the years. Don't hesitate to see your doctor if you or someone you know is experiencing symptoms or has risk factors for ALL. The outcome of this disease can be greatly improved with early detection and treatment.
