Medical Health Encyclopedia

Acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL)

Injury Disease Nutrition Poison Symptoms Surgery Test Special Topic

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

Bone marrow aspiration Acute lymphocytic leukemia - photomicrograph Auer rods Bone marrow from hip Immune system structures

Overview Symptoms Treatment Prevention

Acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL)

Definition:

Acute lymphocytic leukemia is a progressive, malignant disease characterized by large numbers of immature white blood cells that resemble lymphoblasts. These cells can be found in the blood, the bone marrow, the lymph nodes, the spleen, and other organs.

Alternative Names:
ALL; Acute childhood leukemia; Cancer - acute childhood leukemia (ALL); Leukemia - acute childhood (ALL)

Text Continues Below

---

Causes, incidence, and risk factors:

Acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL) accounts for 80% of the acute leukemias of childhood, with most cases occurring between ages 3 and 7. ALL also occurs in adults, where it accounts for 20% of all adult leukemias.

In acute leukemia, the malignant (cancerous) cell loses its ability to mature and specialize (differentiate) its function. These cells multiply rapidly and replace the normal cells. Bone marrow failure occurs as malignant cells replace normal bone marrow elements. The person becomes susceptible to bleeding and infection because the normal blood cells are reduced in number.

Most cases seem to have no apparent cause. However, radiation, some toxins such as benzene, and some chemotherapy agents are thought to contribute to brining on leukemia. Abnormalities in chromosomes may also play a role in the development of acute leukemia.

Risk factors for acute leukemia include Down syndrome, a sibling with leukemia, and exposure to radiation, chemicals, and drugs. The disease strikes 6 out of every 100,000 people.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org). The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. Copyright 2004 A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.