Acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL) is a type of childhood leukaemia. It is a blood and bone marrow cancer that affects the white blood cells (lymphocytes). It occurs when the bone marrow produces too many immature white blood cells, which cannot fight off infections. As the number of white blood cells grows, they can crowd out other healthy cells in the bone marrow and stop it from making normal blood cells. It is the most common type of cancer in children.
Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia Symptoms
The signs of ALL include,
– Fatigue & weakness
– Paleness
– Shortness of breath
– Frequent infections
– Fever
– Pain in the bones or joints
– Swollen lymph nodes or testicular swelling
– Unexplained weight loss
– Frequent nosebleeds
– Bleeding from the gums
– Frequent infections
– Headache or double vision
Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia Causes:
The exact cause of acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL) is unknown.
Risk factors include:
– Exposure to radiation
– Certain genetic conditions
– Certain medications like previous chemotherapy
Diagnosis of Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia
Physical Examination: A physical examination will be performed to check for signs of ALL, such as enlarged lymph nodes, pallor, sternal tenderness or an enlarged spleen.
• Blood tests: A complete blood count (CBC) and a differential white blood cell count are used to assess abnormal amounts of white blood cells in the body.
• Imaging tests: Imaging tests, such as a chest X-ray or computerised tomography (CT) scan, may
be used to look for enlarged organs or lymph nodes and to check for signs of infection or other
abnormalities.
• A lumbar puncture test (Spinal tap): This procedure collects a sample of spinal fluid (the fluid surrounding the brain and spinal cord). The sample is tested to see whether cancer cells have spread to the spinal fluid.
• Bone marrow tests: A bone marrow aspiration, biopsy and flow cytometry are mandatory to confirm the diagnosis of ALL. In this procedure, bone marrow is removed from the hip bone and analysed for the presence of cancerous white blood cells.
Treatment of Acute Lymphocytic Leukaemia
• Chemotherapy: Chemotherapy is the most common treatment for ALL. It is a combination of drugs that kill and stop cancer cells from growing. Chemotherapy drugs are usually taken through an IV or given as pills.
• Radiation therapy: It uses high-energy rays to kill cancer cells. It is usually used to treat and prevent ALL in the brain or spinal cord.
• Bone marrow transplant: A procedure in which doctors replace damaged bone marrow with healthy bone marrow. This procedure can be used to treat some types of ALL.
• Targeted therapy uses drugs or other substances to target and destroy cancer cells. Targeted therapy can be used to treat some types of ALL.
• Immunotherapy: It uses the body’s own immune system to fight cancer. This type of treatment can be used to treat some types of ALL.
The treatment of ALL is a long and daunting process and usually involves six months of intensive chemotherapy and 2 years of oral maintenance drugs. It is mandatory to stay positive and hopeful during this period and to be under close follow-up with your haematologist.
Lifestyle Changes to Deal with Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia
• Maintain a healthy diet: Maintaining a balanced diet can help maintain a healthy weight and
provide the body with essential vitamins and minerals.
• Avoid exposure to toxins: Certain toxins can increase the risk of developing certain
types of leukaemia.
• Stay up to date on vaccinations: Vaccinations help protect against certain types of infections, which can be damaging to people with leukemia.
Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia: When to See a Doctor?
• Make an appointment with a doctor if you notice persistent signs and symptoms that are concerning.
• Many symptoms of acute lymphocytic leukaemia mimic those of the flu.
• However, flu signs and symptoms eventually improve. If signs and symptoms do not improve as expected, visit your doctor.
- Exposure to steroids or other native forms of medicine (which may contain steroids) may modify the disease and prevent accurate diagnosis and, hence, is to be deferred as much as possible.
