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Acute lymphocytic leukaemia (ALL) is a type of cancer of the blood and bone marrow — the spongy tissue inside bones where blood cells are made.
Mudiwa Mundawarara
The word “acute” in acute lymphocytic leukaemia comes from the fact that the disease progresses rapidly and creates immature blood cells, rather than mature ones.
The word “lymphocytic” in acute lymphocytic leukaemia refers to the white blood cells called lymphocytes. Acute lymphocytic leukaemia is also known as acute lymphoblastic leukaemia.
Acute lymphocytic leukaemia is the most common type of cancer in children, and treatments result in a good chance for a cure.
Acute lymphocytic leukaemia can also occur in adults, though the chance of a cure is greatly reduced.
Symptoms
- Signs and symptoms of acute lymphocytic leukaemia may include:
- Bleeding from the gums
- Bone pain
- Fever
- Frequent infections
- Frequent or severe nosebleeds
- Lumps caused by swollen lymph nodes in and around the neck, armpits, abdomen or groin
- Pale skin
- Shortness of breath
- Weakness, fatigue or a general decrease in energy
Many signs and symptoms of acute lymphocytic leukaemia mimic those of the flu.
However, flu signs and symptoms eventually improve. If signs and symptoms don’t improve as expected, the affected individual should make an appointment with his/her doctor.
Taken from Mayo Clinic website https://www.mayoclinic.org/
For partnerships in the 2022 Zimpapers Cancer Power Walk — Call public relations and communications manager — Pauline Matanda 0715 679405 or email [email protected]
Mudiwa Mundawarara is executive director of Island Hospice and Healthcare
