Children with certain genetic (or chromosome) disorders
(Down Syndrome, ataxia-telangiectasia, etc.) and/or immune system problems
(x-linked severe combined immune deficiency, Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome,
etc.) are at an increased risk of developing ALL. In some of these rare
disorders the underlying mechanisms resulting in cancer are being unraveled.
Symptoms
Children with ALL usually get bone marrow failure. The
bone marrow produces the various cells in the blood. The symptoms that
a child with ALL experiences are primarily due to the dramatic decrease
in the numbers of these blood cells. Anemia (decreased activity and appetite,
pale appearance), easy bruising, bleeding from the nose and gums, infections
and mouth ulcers may all occur. Other signs and symptoms include fever,
back pain, bone pain, the inability to walk, enlarged neck glands, enlarged
testicles, headaches and rarely, metabolic (sodium and potassium) imbalances.
Diagnosis
These clinical findings prompt the pediatrician to perform
a blood test called a complete blood count. If his or her suspicion is
confirmed (by low blood counts), the next step is to refer the child to
a pediatric cancer specialist.
