What it means
The most common cancer in children, with a peak between about 2 and 5 years of age; it also occurs in adults. Immature white cells (lymphoblasts) crowd the bone marrowbone MAIR-ohThe soft, spongy tissue inside bones that makes blood cells.Full entry , so fewer normal red cells, white cells and platelets are made, leading to tiredness, pale skin, infections, bruising and bone pain. With modern chemotherapy, most children are cured.
For the nurse
Protect the client from infection, watch for bleeding, give mouth care, and support nutrition and the family. During the first treatment, watch for tumor lysis syndrome (high potassium, phosphate and uric acid).
At a glance
| Also written | acute lymphocytic leukemia, acute lymphoblastic leukaemia |
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Related terms
thrombocytopenia
A blood platelet count below normal, under 150,000/mm3.
bone marrow
The soft, spongy tissue inside bones that makes blood cells.
mercaptopurine
An oral drug that blocks the building of DNA, used for leukemia and to calm the immune system.
cytarabine
A chemotherapy drug that blocks DNA building, given by IV, SUBQ or into the spinal fluid for leukemia and lymphoma.
CLL
Chronic lymphocytic leukemia: a slow-growing cancer of the blood and bone marrow in which too many mature-looking lymphocytes build up.