Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia Diagnosis & Detection

Diagnosing Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia

If your doctor determines that your symptoms suggest that you may have acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL), a number of tests can be performed to help provide an accurate diagnosis. Furthermore, laboratory and diagnostic imaging tests can help your doctor determine how advanced the disease is.

Complete blood count (CBC) tests, along with bone marrow tests (i.e., bone marrow aspirations and biopsies) are commonly used to make an acute lymphocytic leukemia diagnosis. The CBC test determines the numbers of the different types of cells in your blood (e.g., white blood cells), while bone marrow tests help doctors identify abnormal cells in the marrow. Bone marrow tests are also done after treatment has started to see if the treatment is working. Cytogenetic analysis, immunophenotyping and other tests may also be used to provide critical information about the type and classification of ALL. Immunophenotyping, for example, is used to determine if the ALL cells are B cells or T cells. The information gained from these tests help doctors formulate specific treatment recommendations.

When determining the best approach to treating ALL, doctors may also consider:

• The patient's age
• The number of ALL cells that are in the blood
• If the ALL has spread to the brain or spinal cord
• If certain chromosomal changes have occurred

Seeking Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia Treatment Options

If you have received an acute lymphocytic leukemia diagnosis and are exploring your treatment options, chat online with Cancer Treatment Centers of America today. Or, call 1-800-615-3055 anytime. We’ll help you learn about our innovative approach to fighting leukemia, as well as our state-of-the-art hospitals. You’ll discover how our team of cancer experts, including highly skilled hematologist-oncologists, is focused on fighting cancer and treating the whole person.

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