Acute lymphoblastic leukemia: symptoms, medications, etc. • hello healthy

Definition

What is acute lymphoblastic leukemia?

Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) is a cancer that attacks the blood and bone marrow. ALL is included in the group of blood cancers that can develop very quickly and can be fatal if not treated quickly.

Because it is rapidly developing, this blood cancer is called acute.

This disease occurs because the bone marrow produces too many lymphocytes (a type of white blood cell). This condition can also usually affect other organs of the body, such as the lymph nodes, liver, central nervous system, and testes in men.

The white blood cells that are usually affected by acute lymphoblastic leukemia are type B and type T lymphocytes. If these two cells do not develop completely, they have the potential to grow into cancer cells.

How common is this condition?

Acute lymphoblastic leukemia is a common type of cancer. This disease mostly affects children under 15 years. However, in some cases, this disease can also be found in adults and elderly people over 70 years of age.

In addition, children under 5 years of age are more at risk of developing this disease than children who are slightly older.

Acute lymphoblastic leukemia is more common in male than female patients. The racial group with the most cases of leukemia are white people.

Acute lymphoblastic leukemia can be treated by knowing the existing risk factors. You can discuss with your doctor to find out more information.

Signs & symptoms

What are the signs and symptoms of acute lymphoblastic leukemia?

The most common symptoms of acute lymphoblastic leukemia are headache, abdominal pain, fatigue, pallor or bruising. In addition, patients may also experience swelling of the liver, enlarged lymph glands and memory loss.

The following are signs and symptoms of this disease:

• Fatigue or weakness
• Fever
• Night sweats
• Easy bruising and bleeding on the skin
• The appearance of petechiae
• Shortness of breath
• Weight loss
• Loss of appetite
• Pain in the bones or stomach
• Pain or tightness under the ribs
• A lump appears on the neck, under the arm, stomach, or groin
• Infection at several points on the body
• Bleeding gums
• Skin looks pale

There may be some signs and symptoms not listed above. If you have concerns about a particular symptom, consult your doctor immediately.

When should I see a doctor?

If you have any of the signs or symptoms above, consult your doctor immediately. Although you are not sure whether your symptoms are related to leukemia, it is better if you ask your doctor.

Each person's body shows varying signs and symptoms. Therefore, make sure you always consult a doctor to get treatment according to your health condition.

Cause

What causes acute lymphoblastic leukemia?

Acute lymphoblastic leukemia can occur due to errors in the DNA in the bone marrow. In the bone marrow, there are stem cells that play a role in the formation of blood cells, including white blood cells, red blood cells, and platelets.

Due to damage to DNA, the production of cells in the bone marrow will be problematic. Cells will continue to grow and divide, even though healthy cells should stop growing and die.

When this happens, the bone marrow will produce white blood cells that are not fully mature, or what are known as lymphoblastic.

These abnormal cells certainly cannot function properly. Its existence will increase in number and surround healthy body cells.

Quoted from the Mayo Clinic, until now, it is still not certain why DNA can mutate or damage. However, many doctors have found that most cases of DNA damage are not caused by heredity.

Risk factors

What increases my risk for acute lymphoblastic leukemia?

Acute lymphoblastic leukemia is a blood cancer that can affect people of all ages and races. However, there are various factors that can increase a person's risk of developing this disease.

The following are some of the risk factors that can cause acute lymphoblastic leukemia, namely:

1. Age

This disease is more common in pediatric patients, especially those under 5 years of age. In addition, the elderly aged over 50 to 70 years are also more at risk of developing this disease.

2. Gender

Although until now the cause is unknown, cases of acute lymphoblastic leukemia are more common in male patients than female.

3. Race

This type of blood cancer is also very often found in white people, although this still requires further research.

4. Have had cancer treatment

Children and adults who have had chemotherapy and radiotherapy for cancer treatment are more at risk of developing this type of leukemia.

5. Never been exposed to radiation

Exposure to radiation in high enough amounts can increase your risk of developing this disease.

The relationship between exposure to radiation from medical imaging tests, such as x-rays or CT scans, and acute lymphoblastic leukemia is not detailed. However, the American Cancer Society says exposure to radiation at a very early age can increase the risk of developing this disease, although the reason is not explained.

6. Genetic disorders

If someone is suffering from a genetic disorder, such as down syndrome and ataxia, which can potentially lead to complications, including leukemia.

Several other conditions that have the potential to trigger the emergence of acute lymphoblastic leukemia include:

• Have a family member or relative with acute lymphoblastic leukemia
• Smoke
• Being overweight or obese
• Having a problematic immune system

Diagnosis & Treatment

The information provided is not a substitute for medical advice. ALWAYS consult your doctor.

How is this condition diagnosed?

Some of the tests that doctors will usually do to diagnose this disease are:

1. Blood test

Through this test, the doctor will check the levels of white blood cells, red blood cells, and platelets in your blood. This test can also show if there are abnormal cells present in your bone marrow.

2. Bone marrow test

This test is done by inserting a needle in your hip or sternum. Then, the doctor will take a sample of your bone marrow and examine it in a laboratory.

3. Test shooting

X-rays, ultrasounds, and CT scans will usually also be performed by the doctor to check if cancer cells have spread to other parts of the body, such as the brain and spinal cord.

What are the treatments for acute lymphoblastic leukemia?

The good news is, acute lymphoblastic leukemia is curable. ALL treatment usually consists of a combination of several therapies. Starting from chemotherapy, radiotherapy, transplants, and blood transfusions.

The combination of treatment also depends on each patient's condition. Chemotherapy and radiotherapy are reliable treatments to destroy cancer cells.

Sometimes doctors will also recommend a bone marrow transplant, or what is known as a stem cell (stem cell) transplant.

This bone marrow transplant procedure is done by injecting stem cells into the body. These stem cells will produce new, healthy cells to replace the abnormal cells.

Home remedies

What are some lifestyle changes or home remedies that can be done to treat acute lymphoblastic leukemia?

Here are lifestyle and home remedies that can help you treat acute lymphoblastic leukemia:

• Visit the doctor regularly to see the progress of your symptoms and health condition.
• Follow the doctor's instructions, do not use medication without consulting a doctor.
• Always keep your mouth clean. Gargle with warm salt water and use a soft toothbrush.
• Drink lots of water.
• Consume high calorie foods and drinks if you are undergoing chemotherapy.
• Use a bandage, ice and see a doctor if you experience abnormal bleeding.
• Be aware that treatment methods depend on age, genetics and donor availability.
• Avoid contact with sick people because you have weak body defenses.

If you have any questions, consult your doctor for the best solution to your problem.