Most leukemia blood cancers, also called hematologic cancers, Begin with the bone marrow, where human blood is produced. Blood cancers occur when abnormal blood cells start developing out of control, disallowing the function of normal blood cells, which help to fight against infection and also produce new blood cells in the human body, This article will cover: Acute lymphoblastic leukemia
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What Is Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia?
Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) is a cancer that attacks the blood and bone marrow. ALL are included in a group of blood cancers that can develop very quickly and can be fatal if not treated quickly. Because it develops quickly, this blood cancer is called acute.
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This disease occurs because the bone marrow produces too many lymphocytes (a type of white blood cell). This condition can also usually affect other organs of the body, such as the lymph nodes, liver, central nervous system, and testicles in men.
The white blood cells that are usually affected by acute lymphoblastic leukemia are type B and type T lymphocytes. If these two cells do not develop properly, they have the potential to grow into cancer cells.How Common Is This Condition?
Acute lymphoblastic leukemia is a common type of cancer. This disease affects more children under 15 years. However, in some cases, this disease can also be found in adults and the elderly over 70 years.
In addition, children under 5 years of age are more at risk of developing this disease than children who are slightly older.
Acute lymphoblastic leukemia is more common in male patients than in female patients. The racial group with the most cases of leukemia is white people.
Acute lymphoblastic leukemia can be treated by knowing the risk factors that exist. You can discuss this with your doctor to find out more information.
Signs And Symptoms Of Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia?
The most common symptoms of acute lymphoblastic leukemia are headache, abdominal pain, fatigue, paleness, or bruising. In addition, patients may also experience swelling of the liver, enlarged lymph glands, and memory loss.
- Fatigue or feeling weak
- Fever
- Night sweats
- It is easy to bruise and bleed on the skin
- Appearance of petechiae
- Shorter breaths
- Weight loss
- Loss of appetite
- Pain in the bones or stomach
- Pain or tightness under the ribs
- A lump appears in the neck, under the arms, stomach, or groin
- Infection at some point in the body
- Bleeding gums
- Skin looks pale
There may be some signs and symptoms not listed above. If you have concerns about a particular symptom, consult your doctor Immediately
When Should I See the Doctor?
If you have any of the above signs or symptoms, consult your doctor immediately. Even if you are not sure whether the symptoms you are feeling are related to leukemia, it would be better if you ask your doctor.
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Each person's body shows signs and symptoms that vary. Therefore, make sure you always consult a doctor to get treatment that suits your health condition.
What Causes Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia?
Acute lymphoblastic leukemia can result from an error in the DNA in the bone marrow. In the bone marrow, there are stem cells that play a role in the formation of blood cells, including white blood cells, red blood cells, and platelets.
As a result of damage to DNA, the production of cells in the bone marrow will be problematic. Cells will continue to grow and divide, even though healthy cells should stop growing and die.
When this happens, the bone marrow produces immature white blood cells, or what are known as lymphoblasts.
These abnormal cells certainly cannot function properly. Its presence will increase and surround healthy body cells.
What Increases My Risk For Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia?
Acute lymphoblastic leukemia is a blood cancer that can affect people of all ages and races. However, there are various factors that can increase a person's risk of developing this disease.
1. Age
This disease is more common in pediatric patients, especially those under 5 years of age. In addition, the elderly aged over 50 to 70 years are also more at risk of developing this disease.
2. Gender
Although until now the cause is unknown, cases of acute lymphoblastic leukemia are more common in male patients than female patients.
3. Race
This type of blood cancer is also very often found in white people, although this still requires further research.
4. Have undergone cancer treatment
Children and adults who have had chemotherapy and radiotherapy for cancer treatment are more at risk of developing this type of leukemia.
5. Have been exposed to radiation
Exposure to high enough amounts of radiation can increase your risk of developing this disease.
The relationship between exposure to radiation from medical imaging tests, such as X-rays or CT scans, and acute lymphoblastic leukemia is not well understood. However, the American Cancer Society says that exposure to radiation at a very early age can increase the risk of developing this disease, although the reasons are not explained
6. Genetic disorders
If a person suffers from genetic disorders, such as Down syndrome and ataxia, this can potentially trigger various complications, including leukemia.
Several other conditions that have the potential to trigger the emergence of acute lymphoblastic leukemia include:
Having a family member or relative with acute lymphoblastic leukemia
7. Smoke
Overweight or obesity
Have a problem immune system.
Diagnosis & Treatment
The information provided is not a substitute for medical advice. ALWAYS consult your doctor.
How To Treat Acute Lymphoblastic
Some of the tests that doctors will usually do to diagnose this disease are:
1. Blood test
Through this test, the doctor will check the levels of white blood cells, red blood cells, and platelets in your blood. This test can also show if there are abnormal cells in your bone marrow.
2. Bone marrow test
This test is done by inserting a needle into your hip or sternum. Then, the doctor will take a sample from your bone marrow and examine it in the laboratory.
3. Test shooting
X-ray, ultrasound, and CT scan tests will usually also be performed by doctors to check whether cancer cells have spread to other parts of the body, such as the brain and spinal cord.
What Is The Treatment For Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia?
The good news is that acute lymphoblastic leukemia is curable. Treatment of ALL usually consists of a combination of several therapies. Starting from chemotherapy, radiotherapy, transplants, and blood transfusions.
The combination of treatments also depends on each patient's condition. Chemotherapy and radiotherapy are treatments that are relied upon to destroy cancer cells.
Sometimes doctors will also recommend a bone marrow transplant, or what is known as a stem cell (stem cell) transplant.
This bone marrow transplant procedure is done by injecting stem cells into the body. These stem cells will produce healthy new cells to replace abnormal cells.
Home Remedies That Can Help You Manage Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia:
- Visit your doctor regularly to see the progress of your symptoms and health condition.
- Follow the doctor's instructions, do not use medication without consulting a doctor.
- Always keep your mouth clean. Gargle with warm salt water and use a soft toothbrush.
- Take a lot of water.
- Consume high-calorie foods and drinks if you are undergoing chemotherapy.
- Use bandages, ice and see a doctor if you have abnormal bleeding.
- Be aware that treatment methods depend on age, genetics, and donor availability.
- Avoid contact with sick people because you have a weak body defense.
Summary
Red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets are formed from stem cells in your bone marrow. The continuous growth of an abnormal type of blood cell prevents normal blood cell development in the majority of blood cancers. These abnormal blood cells obstruct the blood's ability to perform many functions, such as fighting infections.