ABC Medical Center > Diseases > Acute lymphocytic leukemia

What is acute lymphocytic leukemia?

4 May 2021

It is an oncological condition of the bone marrow blood cells that causes the uncontrolled production of abnormal cells that affect the lymphocytes or white blood cells, transforming them into lymphoblasts, which are immature lymphocytes with leukemia. It is one of the most common oncological diseases in infants.

Despite developing rapidly, there are high chances of cure if it is detected and treated promptly, contrary to the case of adults who suffer from it.

The genetic mutation that promotes the appearance of acute lymphocytic leukemia has not been precisely identified and its origin is unknown, but a series of potential risks for developing it have been identified, such as:

  • Having received chemotherapy and radiotherapy.
  • Being exposed to high radioactive levels. 
  • Genetic abnormalities such as Down syndrome and others.

Signs and symptoms Acute lymphocytic leukemia

  • High fever.
  • Recurrent infections.
  • Bleeding gums
  • Aching bones.
  • Trouble breathing.
  • Tiredness and weakness.
  • Nosebleeds.
  • Swollen lymph nodes.
  • Paleness.

If you or your child experiences similar symptoms, you should see your doctor for an accurate diagnosis and start immediate treatment.

Diagnosis and treatment Acute lymphocytic leukemia

Once your doctor analyzes your symptoms and clinical history, they will perform a physical examination and request the following tests to confirm the diagnosis:

  • Blood tests. 
  • Lumbar puncture.
  • Bone marrow biopsy.
  • X-rays.
  • Computed tomography.
  • Ultrasound.

The treatment plan indicated for acute lymphocytic leukemia offers various therapeutic possibilities:

  • Chemotherapy Combinations of various drugs are used to kill cancer cells.
  • Radiotherapy: It destroys cancer cells through radiation.
  • Bone marrow transplant: replacement of abnormal cellular material with healthy material.
  • Targeted therapy: Uses drugs created to correct specific cellular disorders.

Our Cancer Center offers chemotherapy and radiotherapy treatments at the level of the best medical centers in the world through a comprehensive care model for cancer patients.

Related centers and departments Acute lymphocytic leukemia

Cancer Center
High Specialty Surgery Center
Radiology and Molecular Imaging
Clinical Laboratory

Fuentes:

  • cancer.org
  • cancer.net
  • cancer.gov
  • topdoctors.es
  • mayoclinic.org
  • medigraphic.com
  • Colunga-Pedraza JE, Colunga-Pedraza PR, Jiménez-Antolinez YV, et al. Las dosis bajas de rituximab no son efectivas en el tratamiento de niños con leucemia linfocítica aguda. Rev Hematol Mex. 2020;21(2):86-91.
  • Santoyo-Sánchez A, Ramos-Peñafiel CO, Saavedra-González A, et al. Frecuencias de edad y género de pacientes con leucemia observada en dos centros de referencia del Valle de México. Gac Med Mex. 2016;152(2):208-212.
  • Marsán SV, Díaz DG, Triana MY. Diagnóstico, clasificación y tratamiento de la leucemia aguda de linaje ambiguo. Rev Cubana Hematol Inmunol Hemoter. 2020;36(3):.
  • Querol BN, Chávez IMI, Leblanch FCC, et al. Caracterización clinicoepidemiológica y supervivencia de pacientes menores de 19 años con leucemia. MediSan. 2021;25(01):26-40.

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