Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia Research Paper

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Compare and contrast acute lymphocytic leukemia and acute myelogenous leukemia in children. What are possible presenting features and diagnostic criteria? What are the cure rates with treatment?

Acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL) is a form of cancer that occurs when the lymphoid stem cell is affected thereby causing abnormal white blood cells to build up in the bone marrow. This cancer rapidly produces and replaces healthy cells with immature lymphoblast. The leukemia cells moves into the bloodstream to other organs and tissues where further growth and division occurs. The proliferation of cancer cells to other area produces a variety of symptoms. ALL typically occurs in children under the age of 15, however it can happen at any age. ALL is …show more content…

According to the World Health Organization diagnostic criteria, ALL is diagnosed when “lymphoblasts account for more than 20% to 25% of cells”(Epocrates, 2014). Symptoms of ALL can depend on which areas of the body the cancerous cells had spread to. However generalized symptoms include fever, weight loss, fatigue, night sweats and loss of appetite. Recurring infections, bruising easily and bleeding are common indicator of shortages of normal blood cells associated with ALL. Patients could also have swelling in the abdomen if the abnormal cells build up in the liver and spleen. Joint pain could occur if the leukemia cells increase inside the joint or near the bone. If the cells build up to the brain or spinal cord, it could cause weakness, seizures, vomiting, facial numbness or blurred vision (American Cancer Society, …show more content…

(2014). Signs and Symptoms of acute lymphocytic leukemia. Retrieved from http://www.cancer.org/cancer/leukemia-acutelymphocyticallinadults/detailedguide/leukemia-acute-lymphocytic-signs-symptoms
Cancer Treatment Centers of America. (2014). Leukemia Types. Retrieved from http://www.cancercenter.com/leukemia/types/tab/acute-lymphocytic-leukemia/
National Cancer Institute. (2014). Childhood Acute Myeloid Leukemia / Other Myeloid Treatment. Retrieved from http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/pdq/treatment/childAML/Patient/page1
Epocrates. (2014). Diagnostic Criteria, World Health Organization Classsification of Tumours of Haematopoietic and Lymphoid Tissues. Retrieved from https://online.epocrates.com/u/2936273/Acute+lymphocytic+leukemia/Diagnosis/Criteria
Epocrates. (2014). Acute myelogenous leukemia. Retrieved from https://online.epocrates.com/u/2936274/Acute+myelogenous+leukemia/Diagnosis/Criteria
National Cancer Institute. (2014). Childhood Acute Lymphoblatic Leukemia Treatment. Retrieved from

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