Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia

Acute lymphocytic leukemia is a cancer of the blood and bone marrow in which immature white blood cells called lymphoblasts are produced uncontrollably, crowding out the healthy cells. It is more common in childhood, though it can also occur in adults.

Common symptoms: Paleness, fatigue, fever, easy bruising or bleeding, and repeated infections usually appear, due to the shortage of normal blood cells.

When to seek care? The combination of marked fatigue, persistent fever, and unusual bleeding warrants a timely medical evaluation.

Which specialist treats it? The oncologist, and in children the pediatric oncologist together with the hematologist, are the ones who study and support these cases. In the face of symptoms that do not let up, it is advisable to seek care soon for a careful evaluation.