Acute lymphoblastic leukaemia: Children

Acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL) is a type of blood cancer that affects the bone marrow and blood cells. It is the most common form of cancer in children, accounting for approximately 25% of all childhood cancers. In this essay, we will discuss ALL in children, including its definition, causes, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, precautions, and conclusion.

What is Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia?

Acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL) is a type of cancer that affects the blood cells. It is characterized by the rapid growth of abnormal white blood cells, called lymphoblasts, in the bone marrow. These immature cells are unable to fight infection, and they can crowd out healthy blood cells, leading to a reduced number of red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. This can cause a variety of symptoms, such as fatigue, fever, and bleeding.

When does it occur in Children?

ALL is the most common form of cancer in children, with the highest incidence occurring between the ages of 2 and 5 years. It is rare in adults, with only 20% of ALL cases occurring in individuals over the age of 20.

How does it occur?

The exact cause of ALL is not known. However, several risk factors have been identified, including exposure to radiation or chemotherapy, certain genetic conditions, and a weakened immune system. In most cases, the cause of ALL is thought to be a combination of genetic and environmental factors.

Type of ALL

There are two main types of ALL: B-cell ALL and T-cell ALL. B-cell ALL is the most common type and accounts for approximately 85% of all ALL cases in children. T-cell ALL is less common and accounts for approximately 15% of cases.

Stage of ALL

ALL is staged based on the results of tests and examinations, including blood tests, bone marrow biopsy, and imaging studies. The stage of ALL is determined by the extent of the disease, including how many cells are affected, where they are located, and how far they have spread.

Symptoms of ALL

The symptoms of ALL can vary depending on the stage of the disease and the age of the child. Some common symptoms include:

* Fatigue and weakness

* Fever and infections

* Easy bruising or bleeding

* Loss of appetite and weight loss

* Bone pain and joint pain

* Swollen lymph nodes, liver, or spleen

Date of First Case

The first case of ALL was reported in the medical literature in 1904 by a German physician named Georg Schönlein. Since then, much research has been done on the disease, and significant progress has been made in understanding its causes and developing effective treatments.

Diagnosis of ALL

The diagnosis of ALL typically involves several tests and examinations, including a complete blood count, bone marrow biopsy, and imaging studies. The results of these tests can help determine the type and stage of the disease and guide treatment decisions.

Treatment of ALL

The treatment of ALL in children typically involves a combination of chemotherapy and other therapies, such as radiation therapy and stem cell transplantation. Chemotherapy involves the use of drugs to kill cancer cells, while radiation therapy uses high-energy radiation to destroy cancer cells. Stem cell transplantation involves replacing the patient's bone marrow with healthy stem cells from a donor.

Precautions for ALL

Children with ALL are at an increased risk of infection due to a weakened immune system. To reduce the risk of infection, it is important to take precautions such as washing hands frequently, avoiding close contact with people who are sick, and avoiding crowds and public places.

Conclusion

Acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL) is a type of blood cancer that affects the bone marrow and blood cells. It is the most common form of cancer in children, with the highest incidence occurring between the ages of 2 and 5 years. While the exact cause of ALL is not known, several risk factors have been identified, including exposure to radiation or chemotherapy, certain genetic conditions, and a weakened immune system. The symptoms of ALL can vary but may include fatigue, fever, easy bruising or bleeding, and bone or joint pain. Diagnosis typically involves several tests and examinations, and treatment often involves a combination of chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and stem cell transplantation. To reduce the risk of infection, children with ALL must take precautions such as washing hands frequently and avoiding contact with sick individuals. While ALL can be a challenging disease to treat, advances in research and treatment have led to improved outcomes for many children with the condition.