ALL Leukemia in Children
Childhood Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia

ALL leukemia is also known as acute lymphoblastic or lymphatic. It is the most common type of blood cancer disease in children under the age of 15. Around 80% kids with leukemic disease are diagnosed with this type.

To read more about the other types, click Different Types of Leukemia.

It is characterized by excessive immature B or T lymphocytes that are found in and outside the bone marrow. These abnormal lymphocytes are called lymphoblasts.

Childhood acute lymphocytic leukemic cells grow and move to other organs very fast. This makes it fatal. Thus prevention of its progression is a priority.

Cases of acute lymphatic leukemic disease are more common among children living in more developed countries and who belong to higher socio-economic status. Caucasian kids are more prone to this type of leukemic cells.

If you have ALL, your lymphocytes, just like in the CLL type, cannot do their job of protecting you from infection. ALL is deadlier compared to CLL thus you must be treated as soon as possible.

For more info on CLL, check out the following pages:

What Causes CLL Leukemia

Understanding CLL Leukemia

What are known causes of acute lymphatic leukemic cells?

• exposure to radiation therapy, and

• Phosphocol P32 - a medicine prescribed to treat bleeding between the joints in hemophiliac children.

For what causes the other types, see Other Causes of Leukemia.

What are childhood acute lymphocytic leukemic signs and symptoms?

Since ALL leukemia progresses rapidly, it gives early signs and symptoms such as...

• vomiting

• persistent pain in arms, legs and back

• extreme tiredness, weakness or fatigue

• unusual or unexplained bruises

• breathing problems even during light and normal activities

• recurrent and unexplained fever

• prolonged bleeding from minor cuts

• swollen or enlarged lymph nodes

• tiny red spots or lines under your skin

• headaches

• paleness

Related pages to check out:

Early Leukemia Symptoms

Warning Signs of Leukemia

How is acute lymphatic leukemic cells diagnosed?

Acute lymphocytic leukemic disease can be diagnosed through a complete blood and bone marrow tests. Bone marrow tests include...

• Aspiration - to find lymphoblasts

• Biopsy - to provide a conclusive diagnosis.

How is childhood acute lymphocytic leukemia treated?

Kids with this type of leukemia should start treatment ASAP to prevent it from spreading and worsening quickly.

Without treatment after a diagnosis, it can cause death in as little as few weeks.

Treatments include...

• Chemotherapy,
• Steroids,
• Radiation therapy,
• Bone marrow or stem cell transplants, and
• Growth factors.

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