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Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL)

Also called: Acute lymphocytic leukemia, All leukemia, Acute lymphoblastic leukaemia

A fast-growing cancer of immature white blood cells. It's the most common childhood cancer, and most children are cured.

Most common inChildren 2 to 5, and adults over 50
OutlookAbout 9 in 10 children are cured

Overview

In ALL, the bone marrow makes too many immature white blood cells called lymphoblasts. They crowd out the normal cells that carry oxygen, fight infection, and stop bleeding.

Because it grows quickly, ALL is treated right away, usually with several phases of chemotherapy over 2 to 3 years. Treatment is very successful in children and keeps improving for adults.

Symptoms

Common signs:

  • Tiredness and pale skin
  • Fevers or infections that keep coming back
  • Easy bruising, nosebleeds, or tiny red dots on the skin
  • Bone or joint pain, or a child who won't walk

Less common

  • Swollen glands in the neck, armpit, or groin
  • Belly swelling from a large liver or spleen
  • Weight loss or night sweats

Look up a symptom: Bruising easily or bleeding for a long time · Child limping or refusing to walk · Drenching night sweats, fevers, or weight loss with swollen glands · Fatigue · Fever · Leg aches at night in a child · Pale skin · Swollen glands · Tiny flat red or purple dots on the skin, or infections that keep coming back

When to get medical care

Call 911Trouble breathing, heavy bleeding, a seizure, sudden confusion, or fainting: call 911.
Get care todayFever during cancer treatment, or new or quickly worsening symptoms.
See a doctor soonSymptoms lasting more than 2 to 3 weeks.

Causes

Changes in a cell's genes that make it grow out of control. Most happen by chance; some are linked to the risk factors below or to inherited genes.

Does it spread or run in families?

  • Cancer isn't contagious. You can't catch it from someone.

Who is more likely to get it

  • Down syndrome and some other genetic conditions
  • Past chemotherapy or radiation
  • Having a brother or sister with leukemia

Diagnosis

Tests look for the cause. Many people checked for these symptoms turn out not to have cancer.

Questions you may be asked

  • When symptoms started and whether they're getting worse
  • Family history of cancer
  • Past illnesses, treatments, and exposures

The exam

A physical exam, focused on where the symptoms are.

Tests

Tests, if needed:

  • Complete blood count (CBC): Checks white cells, red cells, and platelets.
  • Bone marrow biopsy: A sample from the hip bone confirms the type.
  • Lumbar puncture: Checks whether cells have reached the spinal fluid.

Treatment

Treatment depends on the type, stage, and your overall health. A cancer care team makes a plan with you.

Self-care

  • Write down symptoms and when they started
  • Bring someone with you to appointments
  • Ask for copies of test results
  • Ask about clinical trials: they can offer new treatments
  • Quit smoking: it helps at every stage

Chemotherapy in phases (induction, consolidation, maintenance), sometimes targeted drugs, immunotherapy like CAR T-cell therapy, or a stem cell transplant.

Prevention

To lower risk or find it early:

  • No proven way to prevent it

Which doctor treats this

  • Start with your primary care provider (family doctor or internist).
  • They may send you to an oncologist (cancer doctor), often working with surgeons and radiation doctors.

Living with it

  • Keep a simple notebook of symptoms, medicines, and questions for visits.
  • Ask for a survivorship care plan when treatment ends.
  • Gentle activity, like walking, can ease tiredness.
  • A cancer diagnosis can affect mood. Tell the care team if you or your family feel down or anxious.

Support groups and helplines

Back to school, work, or sports

  • Many people keep working during or after treatment.
  • Ask about changes that help, like flexible hours. Workers may be covered by the ADA.

Children, pregnancy, and older adults

  • Children: Children with cancer do best at a children's cancer center, where care teams also help with school, growth, and long-term health.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

  • If you're pregnant or planning to be, tell your cancer team. Some treatments can harm a baby.
  • Ask about saving eggs or sperm before treatment if you may want children later.

For caregivers

  • Go to visits when you can and take notes.
  • Keep a list of medicines, allergies, and doctors in one place.
  • Learn the warning signs that need fast care, like fever during treatment.
  • Take breaks and ask for help. Caregivers need care too.

Outlook

Outlook depends on the type and stage. Cancers found early are usually easier to treat, and treatments keep improving.

Support is available: ask about social workers, nutrition help, and support groups.

Getting ready for your visit

Bring a list of symptoms and medicines.

What to bring

  • A list of medicines and supplements
  • Notes on when symptoms started
  • Past test results and scans

Questions to ask

  • What subtype and risk group is it?
  • How long will treatment last, and what are the side effects?
  • What stage is it, and what are the treatment options?
  • Are there clinical trials for me?

Research studies

Research studies test new ways to find and treat health problems. Some are looking for volunteers. Talk with your doctor before joining one.

Search ClinicalTrials.gov for studies on Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL)

Sources

Last updated 2026-11-13.