Table of contents:
- Definition
- What is acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL)?
- How common is this condition?
- Signs & symptoms
- What are the signs and symptoms of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL)?
- When should I see a doctor?
- Cause
- What causes acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL)?
- Risk factors
- What increases my risk for acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL)?
- treatment
- What are the usual tests to diagnose this condition?
- Physical examination
- Blood test
- Bone marrow aspiration and biopsy
- Cytogenetic analysis
- Immunophenotyping
- Blood chemistry research
- Chest X-ray
- What are my treatment options for acute lymphoblastic leukemia?
- Home remedies
- What are some lifestyle changes or home remedies that can be done to treat acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL)?
Definition
What is acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL)?
Acute lymphoblastic leukemia or ALL is a type of cancer of the blood and bone marrow - the spongy tissue inside the bones where blood cells are made.
The word "acute" in ALL disease comes from the fact that the condition develops rapidly and creates immature cells. The word "lymphocytes" in ALL refers to white blood cells called lymphocytes. Acute lymphoblastic leukemia is also known as acute lymphocytic leukemia.
Acute lymphoblastic leukemia develops very quickly and suddenly. Without proper treatment, this disease can be fatal.
How common is this condition?
Acute lymphoblastic leukemia is common in children. This disease usually affects boys under 15 years of age.
However, in some cases, this disease can occur in adults. Always consult your doctor for more information.
Signs & symptoms
What are the signs and symptoms of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL)?
The signs and symptoms of acute lymphoblastic leukemia are:
- Fever
- Pale skin
- Bleeding gums
- Bone or joint pain
- Dizziness or headache
- Easy to get infected
- Frequent vomiting or nosebleeds
- Lumps that are caused by lymph nodes appear
- Swelling around the neck, armpits, stomach, or groin
- Significant fatigue or decreased energy
- The appearance of bruises on the body
Depending on where the leukemia cells are present, other symptoms of the disease include:
- Enlarged or swollen stomach caused by leukemia cells in the liver or spleen.
- Enlarged lymph nodes such as in the neck, groin, under the arm, or above the collarbone.
- Headaches, problems with balance, vomiting, seizures, or blurred vision if they have spread to the brain.
- Difficulty breathing if there is spread over the chest area.
There may be symptoms not listed above. If you have concerns about a symptom, consult your doctor.
When should I see a doctor?
If you have any of the signs or symptoms listed above, consult your doctor. If delayed, disease progression will become more serious and incurable.
If you have any questions, consult your doctor for more information.
Cause
What causes acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL)?
The cause of ALL is when the DNA in bone cells does not function normally. This abnormality causes healthy cells to stop growing and die.
However, the infected cells will grow stronger and divide more.
It is not clear why this genetic mutation causes acute lymphoblastic leukemia. However, many doctors do research and find that most cases of acute lymphoblastic leukemia are not inherited.
Risk factors
What increases my risk for acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL)?
There are certain factors that can increase the risk of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), including:
- Have had cancer treatment, especially if the patient has had chemotherapy or radiotherapy.
- Exposure to certain chemicals such as benzene, solvents used in refineries and other industries, cigarette smoke, certain cleaning products, detergents, and so on.
- People exposed to high levels of radiation from nuclear reactors.
- Genetic disorders, such as down syndrome.
- Have siblings who have inherited acute lymphoblastic leukemia.
- People who have white skin.
- Male gender.
treatment
The information provided is not a substitute for medical advice. ALWAYS consult your doctor.
What are the usual tests to diagnose this condition?
Quoted from the Stanford Children's Health website, possible tests to diagnose ALL are:
Physical examination
This is a general health check, including signs and symptoms of ALL, such as a lump or anything else that is considered abnormal. You will also check your history of habits, illnesses, and treatments.
Blood test
The procedure for taking blood samples and examining the following:
- The number of red blood cells and platelets
- The number and type of white blood cells
- The amount of hemoglobin (a protein that carries oxygen) in red blood cells
- Part of the sample consists of red blood cells.
Bone marrow aspiration and biopsy
The procedure to remove bone marrow, blood, and a small piece of bone by inserting a hollow needle into the hip or sternum. The sample will then be viewed under a microscope for signs of cancer.
Cytogenetic analysis
This is a laboratory test in which cells in a blood or bone marrow sample are viewed under a microscope to look for certain changes in chromosomes in lymphocytes.
Immunophenotyping
Immunophenotyping is a test in which cells in a blood or bone marrow sample are looked at under a microscope to see if the lymphocytes are malignant (cancer) starting from B or T lymphocytes.
Blood chemistry research
Blood chemistry research is a procedure in which a blood sample is examined to measure the amount of certain substances released into the blood by organs and tissues in the body.
Chest X-ray
An x-ray uses X-rays, which are a type of energy beam that can penetrate the body and show an image on a screen, to see a picture of your body's condition.
What are my treatment options for acute lymphoblastic leukemia?
The good news for patients with acute lymphoblastic leukemia is that it is curable. Chemotherapy is the main step in the treatment of this disease.
Patients need to be hospitalized (hospitalized) for blood transfusions, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy. The process usually involves four steps of healing. The first two-step process begins with drug therapy.
Once the patient has signs that the disease is diminishing, the third step is to do brain radiotherapy and chemotherapy to completely remove the cancer.
Your doctor may recommend a bone marrow transplant, otherwise known as a transplant stem cells. The transplant is performed by injecting healthy bone marrow that contains it stem cells, and then stem cells will produce new healthy cells to repair abnormal cells.
Home remedies
What are some lifestyle changes or home remedies that can be done to treat acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL)?
The following lifestyle and home remedies can help you deal with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL):
- Check back your disease in a timely manner to monitor the progress of the disease and your health condition.
- Follow the doctor's instructions, do not use drugs without the doctor's approval.
- Maintain oral hygiene. Gargle regularly with warm salt water and use a soft brush.
- Drink lots of water.
- Eat foods that are high in nutrients if you are undergoing chemotherapy.
- Dress your wound with a bandage and see your doctor immediately if you experience abnormal bleeding.
- Understand that treatment methods depend on age, genetics, and availability of donors.
- Avoid contact with people who are sick because your resistance is weak.
If you have any questions, consult your doctor for the best solution to your problem.
