BACK TOTOP Browse A-ZSearchBrowse A-ZABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ0-9 E-mail FormEmail ResultsName:Email address:Recipients Name:Recipients address:Message: Print-FriendlyBookmarksbookmarks-menuAcute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL)ALL; Acute lymphoblastic leukemia; Acute lymphoid leukemia; Acute childhood leukemia; Cancer - acute childhood leukemia (ALL); Leukemia - acute childhood (ALL); Acute lymphocytic leukemiaAcute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) is a fast-growing cancer of a type of white blood cells called lymphocytes. ALL occurs when the bone marrow produces a large number of immature lymphoblasts, a cancerous form of lymphocytes. Bone marrow is the soft tissue in the center of bones that helps form all blood cells. The abnormal lymphoblasts grow quickly and replace normal cells in the bone marrow. ALL prevents healthy blood cells from being made. Life-threatening symptoms can occur as normal blood counts drop. Causes Most of the time, no clear cause can be found for ALL. The following factors may play a role in the development of all types of leukemia:Certain chromosome problems Exposure to radiation Past treatment with chemotherapy drugs ChemotherapyThe term chemotherapy is used to describe cancer-killing drugs. Chemotherapy may be used to:Cure the cancerShrink the cancerPrevent the cancer from ...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Receiving a bone marrow transplant Toxins, such as benzene ToxinsToxins are substances created by plants and animals that are poisonous (toxic) to humans. Toxins may also include some medicines that are helpful in...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article The following factors are known to increase the risk for ALL:Down syndrome or other genetic disorders Down syndromeDown syndrome is a genetic condition in which a person has 47 chromosomes instead of the usual 46.Read Article Now Book Mark Article A brother or sister with leukemia This type of leukemia usually affects children ages 3 to 7. ALL is the most common childhood cancer, but it can also occur in adults. Symptoms ALL makes a person more likely to bleed and develop infections. Symptoms include:Bone and joint pain Easy bruising and bleeding (such as bleeding gums, skin bleeding, nosebleeds, abnormal periods) Feeling weak or tired Fever Loss of appetite and weight loss Paleness PalenessPaleness is an abnormal loss of color from normal skin or mucous membranes.Read Article Now Book Mark Article Pain or feeling of fullness below the ribs from an enlarged liver or spleen Pinpoint red spots on the skin (petechiae) Pinpoint red spotsBleeding into the skin can occur from broken blood vessels that form tiny red dots (called petechiae). Blood also can collect under the tissue in la...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Swollen lymph nodes in the neck, under arms, and groin Swollen lymph nodesLymph nodes are present throughout your body. They are an important part of your immune system. Lymph nodes help your body recognize and fight germ...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Night sweats These symptoms can occur with other conditions. Talk to a health care provider about the meaning of specific symptoms. Exams and Tests The provider will perform a physical exam and ask about your symptoms. Blood tests may include:Complete blood count (CBC), including white blood cell (WBC) count White blood cell (WBC) countA WBC count is a blood test to measure the number of white blood cells (WBCs) in the blood. It is a part of a complete blood count (CBC). WBCs are a...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Platelet count Bone marrow biopsy Bone marrow biopsyA bone marrow biopsy is the removal of marrow from inside bone. Bone marrow is the soft tissue inside bones that helps form blood cells. It is foun...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Lumbar puncture (spinal tap) to check for leukemia cells in the spinal fluid Spinal tapCerebrospinal fluid (CSF) collection is a test to look at the fluid that surrounds the brain and spinal cord. CSF acts as a cushion, protecting the b...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Tests are also done to look for changes in the DNA inside the abnormal white cells. Certain DNA changes may determine how well a person does (prognosis), and what kind of treatment is recommended. Treatment The first goal of treatment is to get blood counts back to normal. If this occurs and the bone marrow looks healthy under the microscope, the cancer is said to be in remission. Chemotherapy is the first treatment tried with the goal of achieving a remission.The person may need to stay in the hospital for chemotherapy. Or it can be given at a clinic and the person goes home afterward. Chemotherapy is given into the veins (by IV) and sometimes into the fluid around the brain (the spinal fluid). Oral chemotherapy may be given after a remission to maintain it.After a remission is achieved, more treatment is given to achieve a cure. This treatment can include more IV chemotherapy or radiation to the brain. Stem cell or bone marrow transplant from another person may also be done. Further treatment depends on:Radiation to the brainWhen you have radiation treatment for cancer, your body goes through changes. Follow your health care provider's instructions on how to care for you...Read Article Now Book Mark Article Stem cellA bone marrow transplant is a procedure to replace damaged or diseased bone marrow with healthy bone marrow stem cells. Bone marrow is the soft, fatt...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Age and health of the person Genetic changes in the leukemia cells How many courses of chemotherapy it took to achieve remission If abnormal cell DNA is detected in the bone marrow after remission Availability of donors for stem cell transplant You and your provider may need to manage other concerns during your leukemia treatment, including:Having chemotherapy at home Having chemotherapy at homeYou or your child will be going home from the hospital soon. Your health care provider has prescribed medicines or other treatments that you or your...Read Article Now Book Mark Article Managing your pets during chemotherapy Managing your petsIf you have a weak immune system, having a pet can put you at risk for serious illness from diseases that can spread from animals to humans. Learn w...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Bleeding problems Bleeding problemsYour bone marrow makes cells called platelets. These cells keep you from bleeding too much by helping your blood clot. Chemotherapy, radiation, and...Read Article Now Book Mark Article Dry mouth Dry mouthSome cancer treatments and medicines can cause dry mouth. Take good care of your mouth during your cancer treatment. Follow the measures outlined b...Read Article Now Book Mark Article Eating enough calories Eating enough caloriesIf you are sick or undergoing cancer treatment, you may not feel like eating. But it is important to get enough protein and calories so you do not l...Read Article Now Book Mark Article Safe eating during cancer treatment Safe eatingWhen you have cancer, you need good nutrition to help keep your body strong. To do this, you need to be aware of the foods you eat and how you prepa...Read Article Now Book Mark Article Support Groups You can ease the stress of illness by joining a cancer support group. Sharing with others who have common experiences and problems can help you not feel alone.Cancer support groupThe following organizations are good resources for information on cancer:American Cancer Society. Support and online communities. www. cancer. org/...Read Article Now Book Mark Article Outlook (Prognosis) Those who respond to treatment right away tend to do better. Most children with ALL can be cured. Children often have a better outcome than adults. Possible Complications Both leukemia itself and the treatment can lead to many problems such as bleeding, weight loss, and infections. When to Contact a Medical Professional Contact your provider if you or your child develops symptoms of ALL. Prevention The risk for developing ALL may be reduced by avoiding contact with certain toxins, radiation, and chemicals.Open ReferencesReferencesNational Cancer Institute website. Adult acute lymphoblastic leukemia treatment (PDQ) - health professional version. www.cancer.gov/types/leukemia/hp/adult-all-treatment-pdq. Updated February 24, 2023. Accessed March 6, 2023.National Cancer Institute website. Childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia treatment (PDQ) - health professional version. www.cancer.gov/types/leukemia/hp/child-all-treatment-pdq. Updated April 11, 2023. Accessed June 15, 2023.Pillai PM, Carroll WL. Acute lymphoblastic leukemia. In: Fish JD, Lipton JM, Lanzkowsky P, eds. Lanzkowsky's Manual of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology. 7th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2022:chap 18.AllVideoImagesTogBone marrow aspiration - illustration A small amount of bone marrow is removed during a bone marrow aspiration. The procedure is uncomfortable, but can be tolerated by both children and adults. The marrow can be studied to determine the cause of anemia, the presence of leukemia or other malignancy, or the presence of some storage diseases, in which abnormal metabolic products are stored in certain bone marrow cells.Bone marrow aspirationillustrationAcute lymphocytic leukemia - photomicrograph - illustration This picture shows the darkly-stained lymph cells (lymphoblasts) seen in acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL), the most common type of childhood leukemia.Acute lymphocytic leukemia - photomicrographillustrationAuer rods - illustration Note multiple Auer rods which are found only in acute myeloid leukemias, either myeloblastic or monoblastic. These rods consist of clumps of azurophilic granule material.Auer rodsillustrationBone marrow from hip - illustration Bone marrow may be harvested from the hip (iliac bone) to serve as bone grafts elsewhere in the body.Bone marrow from hipillustrationImmune system structures - illustration The immune system protects the body from potentially harmful substances. The inflammatory response (inflammation) is part of innate immunity. It occurs when tissues are injured by bacteria, trauma, toxins, heat or any other cause.Immune system structuresillustrationBone marrow aspiration - illustration A small amount of bone marrow is removed during a bone marrow aspiration. The procedure is uncomfortable, but can be tolerated by both children and adults. The marrow can be studied to determine the cause of anemia, the presence of leukemia or other malignancy, or the presence of some storage diseases, in which abnormal metabolic products are stored in certain bone marrow cells.Bone marrow aspirationillustrationAcute lymphocytic leukemia - photomicrograph - illustration This picture shows the darkly-stained lymph cells (lymphoblasts) seen in acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL), the most common type of childhood leukemia.Acute lymphocytic leukemia - photomicrographillustrationAuer rods - illustration Note multiple Auer rods which are found only in acute myeloid leukemias, either myeloblastic or monoblastic. These rods consist of clumps of azurophilic granule material.Auer rodsillustrationBone marrow from hip - illustration Bone marrow may be harvested from the hip (iliac bone) to serve as bone grafts elsewhere in the body.Bone marrow from hipillustrationImmune system structures - illustration The immune system protects the body from potentially harmful substances. The inflammatory response (inflammation) is part of innate immunity. It occurs when tissues are injured by bacteria, trauma, toxins, heat or any other cause.Immune system structuresillustrationA Closer Look Acute lymphocytic leukemia - InDepth(In-Depth)Leukemia(Alt. Medicine) Tests for Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) B and T cell screenRelated Information Acute(Special Topic)Toxins(Special Topic)Chemotherapy(Special Topic)Bone marrow transplant(Surgery)Bone marrow transplant - discharge(Discharge)Oral mucositis - self-care(Self-Care)Mouth and neck radiation - discharge(Discharge)Eating extra calories when sick - adults(Self-Care)When you have nausea and vomiting(Self-Care)Acute lymphocytic leukemia - InDepth(In-Depth) Review Date: 2/2/2023 Reviewed By: Mark Levin, MD, Hematologist and Oncologist, Monsey, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team. The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. No warranty of any kind, either expressed or implied, is made as to the accuracy, reliability, timeliness, or correctness of any translations made by a third-party service of the information provided herein into any other language. © 1997- A.D.A.M., a business unit of Ebix, Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited. © 1997- All rights reserved. A.D.A.M. content is best viewed in IE9 or above, Firefox and Google Chrome browser.Content is best viewed in IE9 or above, Firefox and Google Chrome browser.
Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL)ALL; Acute lymphoblastic leukemia; Acute lymphoid leukemia; Acute childhood leukemia; Cancer - acute childhood leukemia (ALL); Leukemia - acute childhood (ALL); Acute lymphocytic leukemiaAcute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) is a fast-growing cancer of a type of white blood cells called lymphocytes. ALL occurs when the bone marrow produces a large number of immature lymphoblasts, a cancerous form of lymphocytes. Bone marrow is the soft tissue in the center of bones that helps form all blood cells. The abnormal lymphoblasts grow quickly and replace normal cells in the bone marrow. ALL prevents healthy blood cells from being made. Life-threatening symptoms can occur as normal blood counts drop. Causes Most of the time, no clear cause can be found for ALL. The following factors may play a role in the development of all types of leukemia:Certain chromosome problems Exposure to radiation Past treatment with chemotherapy drugs ChemotherapyThe term chemotherapy is used to describe cancer-killing drugs. Chemotherapy may be used to:Cure the cancerShrink the cancerPrevent the cancer from ...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Receiving a bone marrow transplant Toxins, such as benzene ToxinsToxins are substances created by plants and animals that are poisonous (toxic) to humans. Toxins may also include some medicines that are helpful in...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article The following factors are known to increase the risk for ALL:Down syndrome or other genetic disorders Down syndromeDown syndrome is a genetic condition in which a person has 47 chromosomes instead of the usual 46.Read Article Now Book Mark Article A brother or sister with leukemia This type of leukemia usually affects children ages 3 to 7. ALL is the most common childhood cancer, but it can also occur in adults. Symptoms ALL makes a person more likely to bleed and develop infections. Symptoms include:Bone and joint pain Easy bruising and bleeding (such as bleeding gums, skin bleeding, nosebleeds, abnormal periods) Feeling weak or tired Fever Loss of appetite and weight loss Paleness PalenessPaleness is an abnormal loss of color from normal skin or mucous membranes.Read Article Now Book Mark Article Pain or feeling of fullness below the ribs from an enlarged liver or spleen Pinpoint red spots on the skin (petechiae) Pinpoint red spotsBleeding into the skin can occur from broken blood vessels that form tiny red dots (called petechiae). Blood also can collect under the tissue in la...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Swollen lymph nodes in the neck, under arms, and groin Swollen lymph nodesLymph nodes are present throughout your body. They are an important part of your immune system. Lymph nodes help your body recognize and fight germ...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Night sweats These symptoms can occur with other conditions. Talk to a health care provider about the meaning of specific symptoms. Exams and Tests The provider will perform a physical exam and ask about your symptoms. Blood tests may include:Complete blood count (CBC), including white blood cell (WBC) count White blood cell (WBC) countA WBC count is a blood test to measure the number of white blood cells (WBCs) in the blood. It is a part of a complete blood count (CBC). WBCs are a...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Platelet count Bone marrow biopsy Bone marrow biopsyA bone marrow biopsy is the removal of marrow from inside bone. Bone marrow is the soft tissue inside bones that helps form blood cells. It is foun...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Lumbar puncture (spinal tap) to check for leukemia cells in the spinal fluid Spinal tapCerebrospinal fluid (CSF) collection is a test to look at the fluid that surrounds the brain and spinal cord. CSF acts as a cushion, protecting the b...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Tests are also done to look for changes in the DNA inside the abnormal white cells. Certain DNA changes may determine how well a person does (prognosis), and what kind of treatment is recommended. Treatment The first goal of treatment is to get blood counts back to normal. If this occurs and the bone marrow looks healthy under the microscope, the cancer is said to be in remission. Chemotherapy is the first treatment tried with the goal of achieving a remission.The person may need to stay in the hospital for chemotherapy. Or it can be given at a clinic and the person goes home afterward. Chemotherapy is given into the veins (by IV) and sometimes into the fluid around the brain (the spinal fluid). Oral chemotherapy may be given after a remission to maintain it.After a remission is achieved, more treatment is given to achieve a cure. This treatment can include more IV chemotherapy or radiation to the brain. Stem cell or bone marrow transplant from another person may also be done. Further treatment depends on:Radiation to the brainWhen you have radiation treatment for cancer, your body goes through changes. Follow your health care provider's instructions on how to care for you...Read Article Now Book Mark Article Stem cellA bone marrow transplant is a procedure to replace damaged or diseased bone marrow with healthy bone marrow stem cells. Bone marrow is the soft, fatt...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Age and health of the person Genetic changes in the leukemia cells How many courses of chemotherapy it took to achieve remission If abnormal cell DNA is detected in the bone marrow after remission Availability of donors for stem cell transplant You and your provider may need to manage other concerns during your leukemia treatment, including:Having chemotherapy at home Having chemotherapy at homeYou or your child will be going home from the hospital soon. Your health care provider has prescribed medicines or other treatments that you or your...Read Article Now Book Mark Article Managing your pets during chemotherapy Managing your petsIf you have a weak immune system, having a pet can put you at risk for serious illness from diseases that can spread from animals to humans. Learn w...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Bleeding problems Bleeding problemsYour bone marrow makes cells called platelets. These cells keep you from bleeding too much by helping your blood clot. Chemotherapy, radiation, and...Read Article Now Book Mark Article Dry mouth Dry mouthSome cancer treatments and medicines can cause dry mouth. Take good care of your mouth during your cancer treatment. Follow the measures outlined b...Read Article Now Book Mark Article Eating enough calories Eating enough caloriesIf you are sick or undergoing cancer treatment, you may not feel like eating. But it is important to get enough protein and calories so you do not l...Read Article Now Book Mark Article Safe eating during cancer treatment Safe eatingWhen you have cancer, you need good nutrition to help keep your body strong. To do this, you need to be aware of the foods you eat and how you prepa...Read Article Now Book Mark Article Support Groups You can ease the stress of illness by joining a cancer support group. Sharing with others who have common experiences and problems can help you not feel alone.Cancer support groupThe following organizations are good resources for information on cancer:American Cancer Society. Support and online communities. www. cancer. org/...Read Article Now Book Mark Article Outlook (Prognosis) Those who respond to treatment right away tend to do better. Most children with ALL can be cured. Children often have a better outcome than adults. Possible Complications Both leukemia itself and the treatment can lead to many problems such as bleeding, weight loss, and infections. When to Contact a Medical Professional Contact your provider if you or your child develops symptoms of ALL. Prevention The risk for developing ALL may be reduced by avoiding contact with certain toxins, radiation, and chemicals.Open ReferencesReferencesNational Cancer Institute website. Adult acute lymphoblastic leukemia treatment (PDQ) - health professional version. www.cancer.gov/types/leukemia/hp/adult-all-treatment-pdq. Updated February 24, 2023. Accessed March 6, 2023.National Cancer Institute website. Childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia treatment (PDQ) - health professional version. www.cancer.gov/types/leukemia/hp/child-all-treatment-pdq. Updated April 11, 2023. Accessed June 15, 2023.Pillai PM, Carroll WL. Acute lymphoblastic leukemia. In: Fish JD, Lipton JM, Lanzkowsky P, eds. Lanzkowsky's Manual of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology. 7th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2022:chap 18.