Acute lymphoblastic leukaemia

Question 1

definition of ALL?

Answer 1

malignancy of the bone marrow and blood characterised by the proliferation of lymphoblasts

Question 2

epidemiology of ALL? very important

Answer 2

• MOST COMMON malignancy of CHILDHOOD
• Peak incidence: 2-5 yrs old
• Boys are more affected than girls

Question 3

symptoms and signs of ALL?

Answer 3

o	Anaemia 
-	Fatigue
-	Dyspnoea
-	Pallor
-	Soft systolic murmur 
o	Thrombocytopenia
-	spontaneous bruising
-	bleeding gums
-	menorrhagia
o	Neutropoenia 
-	frequent and severe infections
•	Symptoms and signs of Organ Infiltration: 
o	Tender bones  
o	Splenomegaly 
o	Hepatomegaly

Question 4

initial investigations?

Answer 4

• Bloods
o FBC - normochromic normocytic anaemia, low platelets, variable WCC
• Blood Film –
o Abundant lymphoblasts

Question 5

confirming diagnosis for ALL?

Answer 5

• Bone Marrow Aspirate

lymphoblasts will be present