Acute lymphocytic leukemia is a fast-growing cancer of a type of white blood cells called lymphocytes. Bone marrow biopsy confirms initial diagnosis. Acute lymphocytic leukemia creates numerous immature white blood cells than mature ones.
Definition and Diagnosis of Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia
New York (USA), June 25, 2013
What is Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia?
Definition of Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia
Acute lymphocytic leukemia is a fast-growing cancer of a type of white blood cells called lymphocytes. These cells are found in blood and bone marrow. Acute lymphocytic leukemia is same as acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Since this disease spreads very fast, it is termed acute. Bone marrow is a spongy tissue within bones. Blood cells are made inside the bone marrow.
Acute lymphocytic leukemia creates numerous immature white blood cells than mature ones. Immature white blood cells created in bone marrow are termed blasts. Other normal cells are damaged due to huge number of white blood cells. Further, these malignant cells also invade nearby organs.
Acute lymphocytic leukemia commonly occurs in children between the ages of two to five years. If treated early, it is curable. When this cancer affects adults, it is difficult to cure.
Diagnosis of Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia
Normally, diagnosis of acute lymphocytic leukemia is through blood smears, complete blood count, physical examination, and medical history. The disease is as serious as the number of white blood cells. Blast cells are easily visible on blood smears.
Bone marrow biopsy confirms initial diagnosis. CT scanning and ultrasound can detect how far acute lymphocytic leukemia has invaded into other body organs like lymph nodes, lung, brain, liver, kidneys, spleen, and reproductive organs. A spinal tap or lumbar puncture can detect presence of the disease in brain and spinal column.
Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia – Causes and Evaluation
Causes and Evaluation of Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia
Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia – Signs and Symptoms
Signs and Symptoms of Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia
Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia – Complications and Risk Factors
Complications and Risk Factors for Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia
Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia – Diagnostic Tests and Procedures
Diagnostic Tests and Procedures for Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia
Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia – Treatments and Medications
Treatments and Medications for Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia
Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia – Clinical Trials and Research Studies
Clinical Trials and Research Studies on Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia
Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia – Home Remedies and Alternative Therapies
Home Remedies and Alternative Therapies for Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia
Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia – Prevention and Coping
Prevention and Coping with Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia
Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia – Lifestyle Changes and Self-Help
Lifestyle Changes and Self-Help for Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia
Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia – Prevention, Treatment, and Remedies
Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia – Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis, Prevention, Treatment, and Remedies