Acute lymphocytic leukemia - Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment

What Is Leukemia?

Leukemia is a condition in which there is excessive proliferation of the cells like white blood cells. The white blood cells might include monocytes, lymphocytes, neutrophils, eosinophils, and basophils. When there is an increase in the number of cells more than the normal level, then it might result in a condition called leukemia. In simple terms, leukemia is known as blood cancer.

What Is Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia?

Acute lymphocytic leukemia is a condition in which there is a sudden spreading of the condition. It is also called acute lymphoblastic leukemia. The white cells also fail to achieve maturity, and these immature cells increase in number. It is a life-threatening condition. This condition can affect both adults and young children. Children are more commonly affected than older people. In children, the treatment is known to be very beneficial.

What Are the Causes of Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia?

The exact cause of acute lymphocytic leukemia is not known. The genetic mutations have caused acute lymphocytic leukemia in some people. Hereditary reasons are also the causative factor for acute lymphocytic leukemia.

What Are the Symptoms of Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia?

The symptoms experienced by patients with acute lymphocytic leukemia are:

• Epistasis- In epistasis, a person has frequent bleeding of the nose. In some cases, the bleeding might be severe.

• Lymphadenopathy- It is a condition in which some lumps are caused by swollen lymph nodes. It is seen in the neck, abdomen, groin, and armpits.

• Pale skin.

• Bone pain.

• Bleeding of the gums.

• The tendency to get infections quickly.

• Shortness of breath.

• Decreased energy levels in the body.

• Weakness and fatigue.

• Fever.

• Testicular enlargement.

• Cranial nerve palsy.

• Enlargement of the spleen.

• Purpura.

What Are the Risk Factors Associated With Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia?

The following are the risk factors that are associated with acute lymphocytic leukemia.

• Chemical Exposure: All the chemicals might be suitable for the skin and tissues of the individuals. The long term exposure to certain chemicals might be harmful to people. Such exposure to hazardous chemicals might increase the risk of cancer in some people. These kinds of hazards are higher in people who are working in chemical factories. Benzene is a chemical that causes the highest risk of harmful exposure. In addition to these chemicals, chemotherapy drugs are also responsible for the occurrence of acute lymphocytic leukemia. The most common problem experienced by people under chemotherapy agents is the occurrence of secondary cancers. In secondary cancer, there is a spread of cancer from the primary site to the other site.

• Radiation Exposure: Similar to chemical exposure, people who are having radiation exposure are also affected by acute lymphocytic leukemia. Reports from the year 1994 studies suggest that the Japanese people who were affected by World War II had the risk of being affected by acute lymphocytic leukemia even after survival. The condition was known to occur after six years. People who are working in nuclear reactor stations also have the highest possibility of getting affected by radiation exposure. The fetus in the womb, which receives a higher degree of radiation, is known to invite a higher risk of acute lymphocytic leukemia.

• Infections: Infections with viruses and bacteria are known to elevate cancer risks. It might include the following.

  1. Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) that might cause infectious mononucleosis.

  2. Burkitt’s lymphoma.

• Inherited Disorders: The following inherited disorders have an increased risk of suffering from acute lymphocytic leukemia.

  1. Bloom syndrome.

  2. Klinefelter syndrome.

  3. Down’s syndrome.

  4. Fanconi anemia.

  5. Neurofibromatosis.

  6. Ataxia-telangiectasia.

• Gender: Males have a higher risk of being affected by acute lymphocytic leukemia than females. No specific reason has been identified for this.

• Race: Caucasians have an increased possibility of being affected by acute lymphocytic leukemia when compared to people belonging to other races.

When to Visit a Physician?

If individuals detect any persistent symptoms that concern them, schedule a consultation with a physician. Acute lymphocytic leukemia has many symptoms that are similar to the flu. However, flu symptoms gradually resolve. Schedule a visit with a physician if the signs and symptoms are not getting better.

How Is Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia Diagnosed?

The diagnosis of acute lymphocytic leukemia requires a proper medical history. In addition to this, the doctor will perform a clinical examination to identify the physical signs and symptoms. The most important diagnostic methods that are used for the detection of acute lymphocytic leukemia are:

• Bone Marrow Aspiration: A reduced number of red blood cells and increased bone marrow growth are being identified with the bone marrow aspiration technique. In this method, bone marrow is taken from the pelvic bone.

• Blood Tests: A routine blood examination is done for the patients to identify the number of RBC (red blood cells), WBC (white blood cells), and platelets. Patients who are affected by acute lymphocytic leukemia have a low level of platelet and hemoglobin. An elevated level of WBS is noted in the blood examination.

• Imaging Techniques: A chest X-ray is taken to identify the widening of the mediastinum of the chest. The spreading of cancer to other parts of the brain, spinal cord, and other parts of the body can be detected using computed tomography (CT scan).

• Spinal Fluid Test: This test is also called a lumbar puncture test. The spinal fluid is collected from the brain and spinal cord to identify the presence of cancer cells in these fluids.

What Are the Treatment Options for Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia?

The treatment plan is decided by the doctor after considering the health status of the individual. The most commonly employed treatment options are:

• Chemotherapy: Chemotherapy drugs are prescribed for the patients to control the excessive growth of the white blood cells. These drugs are suitable for both younger and older patients.

• Radiation Therapy: Radiation therapy is the best treatment of choice for patients whose central nervous system is being damaged.

• Targeted Therapy: This therapy focuses on the specific abnormality present in the body. It can be used alone or in combination with chemotherapy treatment based on the health of the individual.

• Bone Marrow Transplant: In a bone marrow transplant, the bone marrow of the patient is replaced with a healthy and compatible donor.

• Alternative Medicine: Alternative medicine does not provide a complete cure for acute lymphocytic leukemia, but it can be used to overcome the symptoms and effects caused by acute lymphocytic leukemia.

  • Exercise.

  • Acupuncture.

  • Relaxation activities.

  • Meditation.

  • Massage.

How Is the Treatment for Elderly People Planned?

Older individuals, specifically above 65, are more likely to encounter treatment-related problems. Furthermore, the prognosis for older adults receiving treatment for acute lymphocytic leukemia is often worse than that of children. Individuals may choose to receive therapy for their leukemia based on their medical history, their objectives, and their personal preferences. Some may decide not to pursue cancer therapy, preferring to concentrate on measures that alleviate their discomfort and allow them to maximize the time that remains.

What Are the Factors That Help to Determine the Prognosis?

The healthcare provider makes conclusions about the course of treatment and prognosis based on the data received from these tests and treatments. Acute lymphocytic leukemia lacks phases; other cancer types utilize numerical stages to represent the extent of their spread.

Rather, the following factors define how severe the illness is:

• Which lymphocyte type—B cells or T cells—is at play

• The particular genetic alterations in the cells of leukemia

• Individual's age

• Lab test results, such as the quantity of white blood cells found in a sample of blood

Conclusion:

Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) is an uncommon blood malignancy. Though it's more frequent in younger kids than in teens and adults, anyone can develop ALL. Acute lymphocytic leukemia may return even after treatment. It is critical to address additional concerns related to a young kid's cancer treatment, such as offering the kid, their parents, and family emotional assistance.