Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia

Question: What is type b acute lymphoblastic leukemia? I just heard recently that my cousin has type b acute lymphoblastic leukemia and I was just wondering what exactly it is? what the symptoms are? what does it mean by type b? and can it be treated or can it kill you no matter what? Thanks in advance.

Answer: Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) is a type of blood cancer. Other names for ALL are acute lymphocytic leukemia and acute lymphoid leukemia. Leukemia affects either B lymphocytes( a type of white blood cell) or T lymphocytes (another type of white blood cell). Immunophenotyping is used to find out if the patient's leukemia cells are B cells or T cells. Most people with ALL have the B-cell type or "type B". Immunophenotyping is a procedure that is used to identify a specific type of cell in a sample of blood, marrow or lymph node cells. This procedure can be important in helping to decide on the best treatment for your cousin. The symptoms are: Aches in arms, legs & back, bruising for no apparent reason, enlarged lymph nodes, a low-grade fever without obvious cause, headaches, pale skin, pinhead-size red spots under the skin (petechiae, pronounced puh-TEE-kee-ee) (this is bleeding), prolonged bleeding from minor cuts and scrapes, shortness of breath during physical activity, fatigue and vomiting. But ALL can't be diagnosed by these symptoms alone because they're shared by other conditions as well. I don't know how old your cousin is but ALL is the most common type of leukemia in children under the age of 15 although it can occur at any age. Most children who have had ALL have been successfully treated and cured. In case you're ready to ask "How did he get this?" Research is still ongoing to pinpoint the precise genetic changes that cause a normal cell to become cancerous. And ALL starts with a change to a single cell in the bone marrow. The cause and the risk factors haven't been determined yet.

Question: How common is acute lymphoblastic leukemia in children in Canada? statistics canada doesnt seem to have it :( It's just for my own benefit, I'm trying to decide which health problem to research into for a class and wanted to pick the most common of the choices for my arguement

Answer: The Canadian Cancer Society's site confirms this in an article (I've just included a small paragraph from the research being done): http://www.cancer.ca/quebec/cancer%20res… The good news about ALL, the most common type of childhood cancer, is that most young patients can now expect to survive their disease. But life-saving treatments, such as high-dose chemotherapy and radiation, can cause subtle brain damage which may not be apparent for many years. ~~~~~ And, the Public Health Agency of Canada confirms leukemia (doesn't specify type) is the most common childhood cancer at the following site (small paragraph included): http://www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/cd-mc/cancer/… The most common cancers diagnosed in children are leukemia (cancer of the blood)(33 percent of new cases in 2004), brain and spinals tumours(20 percent of new cases in 2004), and lymphomas (Hodgkin: cancer of lymph nodes)(non-Hodgkin lymphoma: cancer of infection fighting cells)(12 percent of new cases in 2004).

Question: Can anyone suggest what are best option of balance regular diets for a Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia patient ? Dear Madam/Sir. i am from Nepal. My Cousin brother who is 13 years old male child, newly diagnosed Acute Lymbhoblastic Leukemia. He is on first phase of chemo treatment. Please kindly suggest best diet habit he has to begin in days to come.. if you would show deeper concern i would be glad to send all the detail including medical reports. Regards, Nirmal Tamang

Answer: This site has great info, and online couselors you can chat with: http://www.leukemia-lymphoma.org/hm_lls Best wishes

Question: I have ALL or Acute lymphoblastic leukemia how can an adult get a childhood Cancer? My doctors seem quite baffled about me having leukemia usually it only happens in young children I'm wondering if any one has had it and how you are feeling I feel great just tired my platelettes are up and so is my hemoglobin I've had one round of chemo so far just wondering how you made it through ~thanks

Answer: You need to find a specialist that understands ALL if your doctors are confused. ALL is most common in children but also occurs in Adults. You can read about Adult Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia on the National Cancer Institute site: Adult Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia Treatment http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/pdq/t… ACOR: Mailing list for adults with Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia http://listserv.acor.org/archives/all-l.… Leukemia and Lymphoma Society http://l3.leukemia-lymphoma.org/all_page… ACS: Overview: Leukemia - Acute Lymphocytic http://www.cancer.org/docroot/CRI/CRI_2_… Hang in there and stay strong as you continue your treatment.

Question: how does a person get acute lymphoblastic leukemia?Are kids born with it? NO PEOPLE,I DO NOT WANT LEUKEMIA.I'M JUST CURIOUS.

Answer: No one knows how you get any cancer. Children are not usually born with it, but it can happen. The peak incidence is between 3-5 years of age.

Question: is the catheter compulsory for treating acute lymphoblastic leukemia?

Answer: I have AML. Yes, a catherter of some sort will be needed. It will be a central line that ends right at the tip of the heart. Reason being is some of the chemo and other drugs can burn the vein so a typical IV is not ideal. This way the drugs reach the body right at the heart where the concentration is the least bc it is mixed with the blood so fast. There are several different types of catheters. My favorite is the port-a-cath. In this situation the catheter is placed under the skin and only accessed when needed. This device is completly under the skin so when it is not used there is no maitence aside from having it flushed monthly. There is also a PICC line. This is usually inserted in the arm and runs the vein to the heart. however, this type of catheter has lumens that hang out of the skin and the insertion site is constanly covered with a dressing. There are a lot of other types that are used for many reasons. Look over the following website and ask the doc what type of catheter they want to use. http://www.bardaccess.com/index.php I'm sure this isnt the only brand but every line Ive had (7, from 2 diff hosp) have been this brand and this website gives a lot of info about the types.

Question: Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia in Remission? Okay, one of my very close friends ( a child, 9 years old) was diagnosed with ALL in January of 2009. She is currently being treated at St. Jude Childrens Research Hospital, 2 or 3 weeks after her treatment and mrd test showed that less than 1% of Leukemia cells remained (meaning she is in remission), she is still undergoing treatment as it is almost a 3 year treatment plan. But I was wondering what the chances of a relapse are and what the prognosis may be if she did relapse. Thanks.

Answer: The treatments for leukemia have been very successful lately. I'm not sure of each type, but my cousin's little girl had some type when she was 8, had treatment after treatment, finally got a bone marrow transplant from her sister around age 12. She is now considered cured and is around 19 years old.

Question: What is an acute lymphoblastic leukemia?

Answer: Here's the best site for info: http://www.leukemia-lymphoma.org/hm_lls Best wishes

Question: What is Metastastic Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia? my cousin has it .

Answer: This is the common Leukaemiaa in children. It also affects older people of 65 and over. Basically, it's the overwhelming of immature white blood cells that makes it impossible for your bone marrow to create healthy white blood cells. cheers!

Question: please help me by providing full information about ACUTE LYMPHOBLASTIC LEUKEMIA L1. THANKS.? I need to know about ACUTE LYMPHOBLASTIC LEUKEMIA L1.All the details of the ailment, please. Causes, symptoms, treatment and prognosis. I'd be grateful to whoever will provide enlightenment on the matter, THANK YOU very much!

Answer: Direct from the National Cancer Institute: ----------------------- Childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) is a type of cancer in which the bone marrow makes too many lymphocytes (a type of white blood cell). Childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia (also called acute lymphocytic leukemia or ALL) is a cancer of the blood and bone marrow. This type of cancer usually gets worse quickly if it is not treated. It is the most common type of cancer in children. Normally, the bone marrow produces stem cells (immature cells) that develop into mature blood cells. There are 3 types of mature blood cells: 1) Red blood cells that carry oxygen to all tissues of the body. 2) White blood cells that fight infection and disease. 3) Platelets that help prevent bleeding by causing blood clots to form. In ALL, too many stem cells develop into a type of white blood cell called lymphocytes. These lymphocytes may also be called lymphoblasts or leukemic cells. There are 3 types of lymphocytes: 1) B lymphocytes that make antibodies to help fight infection. 2) T lymphocytes that help B lymphocytes make the antibodies that help fight infection. 3) Natural killer cells that attack cancer cells and viruses. In ALL, the lymphocytes are not able to fight infection very well. Also, as the number of lymphocytes increases in the blood and bone marrow, there is less room for healthy white blood cells, red blood cells, and platelets. This may lead to infection, anemia, and easy bleeding. Possible risk factors for ALL include the following: 1) Having a brother or sister with leukemia. 2) Being white or Hispanic. 3) Living in the United States. 4) Being exposed to x-rays before birth. 5) Being exposed to radiation. 6) Past treatment with chemotherapy or other drugs that weaken the immune system. 7) Having certain genetic disorders, such as Down syndrome. Possible signs of childhood ALL include fever and bruising. These and other symptoms may be caused by childhood ALL or by other conditions. A doctor should be consulted if any of the following problems occur: 1) Fever. 2) Easy bruising or bleeding. 3) Petechiae (flat, pinpoint spots under the skin caused by bleeding). 4) Bone or joint pain. 5) Painless lumps in the neck, underarm, stomach, or groin. 6) Pain or feeling of fullness below the ribs. 7) Weakness or feeling tired. 8) Loss of appetite. Tests that examine the blood and bone marrow are used to detect (find) and diagnose childhood ALL. The following tests and procedures may be used: 1) Physical exam and history: An exam of the body to check general signs of health, including checking for signs of disease, such as lumps or anything else that seems unusual. A history of the patient's health habits and past illnesses and treatments will also be taken. 2) Complete blood count(CBC) with differential: A procedure in which a sample of blood is drawn and checked for the following: The number of red blood cells and platelets. The number and type of white blood cells. The amount of hemoglobin (the protein that carries oxygen) in the red blood cells. The portion of the sample made up of red blood cells. 3) Bone marrow aspiration and biopsy: The removal of a small piece of bone and bone marrow by inserting a needle into the hipbone or breastbone. A pathologist views the bone and bone marrow samples under a microscope to look for signs of cancer. 4) Cytogenetic analysis: A test in which the cells in a sample of blood or bone marrow are looked at under a microscope to find out if there are certain changes in the chromosomes in the lymphocytes. For example, in ALL, part of one chromosome is moved to another chromosome. This is called the “Philadelphia chromosome.� 5) Immunophenotyping: A test in which the cells in a sample of blood or bone marrow are looked at under a microscope to find out if malignant lymphocytes (cancer) began from the B lymphocytes or the T lymphocytes. 6) Blood chemistry studies: A procedure in which a blood sample is checked to measure the amounts of certain substances released into the blood by organs and tissues in the body. An unusual (higher or lower than normal) amount of a substance can be a sign of disease in the organ or tissue that produces it. 7) Chest x-ray: An x-ray of the organs and bones inside the chest. An x-ray is a type of energy beam that can go through the body and onto film, making a picture of areas inside the body. Certain factors affect prognosis (chance of recovery) and treatment options. The prognosis (chance of recovery) and treatment options depend on: 1) Age and white blood cell count at diagnosis. 2) How quickly and how low the white blood cell count drops after initial treatment. 3) Gender and race. 4) Whether the leukemia cells began from the B lymphocytes or the T lymphocytes. 5) Whether there are certain changes in the chromosomes of lymphocytes. 6) Whether the leukemia has spread to the brain and spinal cord. ----------------------- I'm sure all of this sounds extremely scary. Now for the good news Pediatric ALL is the most treatable of all childhood cancers. The long term survival rate is between 80-90%, depending on which statistics you look at. That still means 10-20% of pediatric patients die from ALL, but the prognosis is definitely better than it is for Pediatric AML (Acute Myelogenous Leukemia) (which has a 40-50% survival rate) or Adult AML (which has a ~20% survival rate). If you need any further info you can contact me through my daughter Alex's website: http://www.alexupdate.com Alex was diagnosed with AML when she was 10 months old. Hope this helps. -- T