Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia - Description
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Acute lymphocytic leukemia is a common, progressive, malignant disease characterized by large numbers of immature white blood cells that resemble lymphoblasts. Acute lymphocytic leukemia results when cancerous cells lose their ability to mature. These cancerous acute lymphocytic leukemia cells multiply and start to overtake the normal cells. As your normal blood cells start to reduce in number, you can become more susceptible to bleeding and infection. These types of cells can be found in bone marrow, blood, lymph nodes, spleen, and other organs. It is believed that acute lymphocytic leukemia accounts for approximately 80% of all the acute childhood leukemias. Most cases appear between the ages 3 and 7. Acute lymphocytic leukemia also occurs in adults. Adult acute lymphocytic leukemia makes up approximately 20% of all adult leukemias.
Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia Symptoms
Although the exact cause of acute lymphocytic leukemia is not known, a variety of risk factors, including environmental influences are being researched. Possible risk factors of acute lymphocytic leukemia include:
- Down syndrome
- A sibling with leukemia
- Exposure to radiation, chemicals, and/or drugs.
Some of the various acute lymphocytic leukemia symptoms that may be experienced include:
- Prolonged or excessive bleeding
- Bruise easily
- Bleeding gums
- Nosebleeds
- Bleeding into the skin
- Menstrual irregularities
- Skin rash or lesion
- Pale complexion
- Fatigue
- Frequent infections
- Sternal tenderness
- Bone pain
- Pain in your joints
- Enlarged glands
- Unexplained weight loss
- Unexplained fever
- Swollen gums
- Shortness of breath
- Palpitations
Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia Treatment Options
There are various factors that come into play when your doctor determines what treatment to consider. Those factors include the sub-type of acute lymphocytic leukemia diagnosed, your age, general health, and whether the cells have also collected in the spinal cord, brain, testes, or lymph nodes.
In many cases, acute lymphocytic leukemia is treated with chemotherapy. Chemotherapy uses a combination of strong drugs that destroy the cancerous cells. Chemotherapy also impedes the growth and reproduction of the cancerous cells. Although chemotherapy is administered to affect the growth and reproduction of cancerous cells, it can also affect healthy cells that is why the specialists at Cancer Treatment Centers of America (CTCA) continue to explore new ways to help prevent or lessen the side effects of your treatment. We realize that unrelieved pain can significantly diminish your quality of life and will work with you to help relieve any pain you may experience.
CTCA is the home of integrative cancer care. We never stop searching for the most innovative and up-to-date treatments and therapies designed to improve your quality of life and provide hope during this difficult time. CTCA is committed to helping people fight acute lymphocytic leukemia and we strongly believe in empowering our patients to be part of each step in the fight against acute lymphocytic leukemia. Our doctors are dedicated to ensuring you are given all the information you need to not only understand your treatment options, but to also participate in making an educated decision you are comfortable with.
If you would like to learn more about acute lymphocytic leukemia and the unique approach to treatment Cancer Treatment Centers of America takes, call us at 800-615-3055 and speak to one of our Oncology Information Specialists. They are available 24 hours a day to take your questions about acute lymphocytic leukemia treatment and help determine whether CTCA is the right treatment center for you.
If you do not feel comfortable talking with us, you can also chat online about acute lymphocytic leukemia treatment at CTCA.
Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia Treatment at CTCA
At CTCA we know that choosing an acute lymphocytic leukemia treatment center is an important decision. While we at CTCA feel we offer our patients with a comprehensive treatment plan, it is you who knows who can best meet your needs. If you have any questions about our approach to treating cancer, please contact us. We are available any time day or night to assist you. You can choose to either contact us over the phone at 800-615-3055 or online via Chat Now.
At Cancer Treatment Centers of America we are committed to helping people overcome cancer. Our promise states that you and your healing are at the center of everything we do, and inform and drive our actions. Experience the CTCA difference today. We would be honored to help you in your journey against acute lymphocytic leukemia.
If you are exploring your acute lymphocytic leukemia treatment options, please take the time to learn more about Cancer Treatment Centers of America and our unique approach to treating cancer. From the innovative, comprehensive care we offer, to our facilities designed to help patients relax and help focus on healing, at CTCA you will find a level of care you will not find at other treatment facilities.
