03-24-2009, 11:29 AM
Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia (ALL)There are four major types of leukemia. ALL is the most common type of leukemia diagnosed in children, and the least common type diagnosed in adults. About 5,200 people are diagnosed with ALL each year. Children account for two-thirds of these cases. In general, children with ALL have a better prognosis than adults. Most children with ALL can be cured of this cancer.Symptoms of ALL include fatigue, pale skin, recurrent infections, bone pain, bruising, and small red spots under the skin. Doctors use various tests, including blood counts and bone marrow biopsies, to diagnose ALL.ALL is treated with chemotherapy and, sometimes, radiation. Children receive different types of chemotherapy regimens than adults. Patients with advanced cancer that has not responded to these treatments may need a stem cell transplant.
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