ALL Leukemia in Children

Acute lymphocytic or ALL leukemia is a disease in children under the age of 15. It is the most common form of cancer that affects the blood cells of kids. It is also known as acute lymphoblastic or lymphatic. Around 80% of diagnosed cases of childhood leukemia are the ALL type.

It is characterized by excessive immature B or T lymphocytes. These abnormal lymphocytes are called lymphoblasts. They are found inside and outside the bone marrow of kids.

Acute lymphocytic leukemia grows and moves to other organs very fast. Its aggressiveness makes the disease fatal. Once a child is diagnosed with it, the doctor's priority is the prevention of the progression of the disease.

Cases of lymphatic leukemic cells are more common among kids living in more developed countries and who belong to higher socio-economic status. Caucasians are also more prone to the the lymphocytic type of leukemic disease.

Having ALL or CLL hinders your healthy lymphocytes from properly doing their job of protecting you from infection. But the ALL type is far deadlier compared to CLL. Children with ALL are easy targets for infection. A child diagnosed with it must be treated as soon as possible.

Known Causes of Childhood Acute Lymphocytic Cancer

1. Overexposure to ultraviolet or ionizing radiation

Children are more fragile against the harmful effects of both ultraviolet and ionizing types of radiation. Their cells are more prone to damage because they are still developing. That's why it is important that babies and small children are not overexposed to the heat of the sun especially between 10AM to 4PM. If they are, they should be protected.

2. Phosphocol P32

Hemophiliac children who take Phosphocol P32 are more susceptible to developing the acute lymphocytic type. Phosphocol P32 is a medicine that is prescribed to treat bleeding between the joints in hemophiliac kids.

For what causes the other types, see Other Causes of Leukemia Disease.

Important Signs and Symptoms

Since acute lymphocytic or ALL leukemia disease progresses rapidly, it gives early signs and symptoms such as . . .

• vomiting
• persistent pain in arms, legs and back
• extreme tiredness, weakness or fatigue
• unusual or unexplained bruises
• breathing problems even during light and normal activities
• recurrent and unexplained fever
• prolonged bleeding from minor cuts
• swollen or enlarged lymph nodes
• tiny red spots or lines under your skin
• headaches
• paleness

How Acute Lymphocytic Leukemic Disease is Diagnosed

It is diagnosed through complete blood and bone marrow tests. Bone marrow tests include . . .

• Aspiration - to find lymphoblasts
• Biopsy - to provide a conclusive diagnosis.

Treatment for ALL in Children

It requires treatment ASAP to prevent it from spreading and worsening quickly.

Without treatment after a diagnosis, acute lymphocytic or lymphatic disease can cause death in children in as short as few weeks.

Treatments include . . .

• Chemotherapy,
• Steroids,
• Radiation therapy,
• Bone marrow or stem cell transplants, and
• Growth factors.

Majority of acute lymphocytic or ALL leukemia in children need a combination of different types of treatments.

Related Pages You Might Like:

Different Types of Leukemia | What Causes CLL Leukemia | Understanding CLL Leukemia | Early Leukemia Symptoms |Warning Signs of Leukemia

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