Acute lymphocytic leukemia
Description
An in-depth report on the causes, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of leukemia.
Alternative Names
Acute lymphoblastic (or lymphocytic) leukemia
Symptoms
The symptoms of ALL may be difficult to recognize. ALL usually begins abruptly and intensely, but in some cases symptoms may develop slowly. They may be present one day, and absent the next, particularly in children. Symptoms develop when:
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There are not enough healthy mature white blood cells (leukocytes) to mount a defense against infection.
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There are not enough healthy platelets to prevent bleeding.
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The depleted oxygen-bearing red blood cells can't provide enough oxygen to organs.
Symptoms include:
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Fatigue
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Paleness -- patients may have poor coloring from anemia caused by insufficient red blood cells.
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Recurrent minor infections
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Bone pain
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Bruising -- may result from only slight injury
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Poor healing of minor cuts
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Uncontrolled bleeding -- bleeding events increase as the bone marrow fails to produce enough platelets to make a normal blood clot, a condition called thrombocytopenia.
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Small, red spots on the skin (petechiae)
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Vision changes (rare)
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Review Date: 1/16/2007
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Reviewed By: Harvey Simon, MD, Associate Professor of Medicine, Harvard Medical School; Physician, Massachusetts General Hospital
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