- It is the most common tumor in children under 15 years of age.
- Cases in adults are also reported, although in a smaller number.
- Its main symptoms are persistent fever, unexplained bleeding and bruising with no apparent cause. Also red spots on the skin, abnormal growth of nodes in the armpits, tiredness, loss of appetite and weight.
There are diseases as old as humanity that are still in force. Within the list, cancer stands out because it remains one of the biggest public health problems in the world. Each year it causes more than nine million deaths and the trend continues to rise. Although there is a particular type surrounded by mystery and it is the Acute lymphoblastic leukemia.
Due to their relevance, tumors are the object of permanent study. Research is being done around the planet and although there is more information now than in the past, there are still many unanswered questions.
To get a broader picture of the Acute lymphoblastic leukemiaSaludiario’s editorial team was able to interview the Dr. Max Sarachagawho is Medical Director at Amgen Mexico.
The first thing the specialist mentioned is that this disease is characterized by generate a malignant disorder in the cells that produce blood. As a consequence, it affects the blood cells and platelets until they lose the order of maturation and the control of their growth. This process originates in the bone marrow and is more common in preschool age.
The most common cancer in children although there are also cases in adults
In that tenor, This type of neoplasm is the most common in children under 15 years of age. During the past year alone, more than 5,000 new cases were registered.
However, despite having a high incidence in the child population, it is not exclusive to children. Cases in adults are also reported, although in a smaller number.
Main symptoms in patients
Regarding her symptoms, Acute lymphoblastic leukemia It is characterized by persistent fever, unexplained bleeding, and bruising for no apparent reason. It also causes red spots on the skin, abnormal growth of nodes in the armpits, tiredness, loss of appetite and weight.
Therefore, it is of the utmost importance to permanently review children, especially the youngest. When they are not old enough to manifest their ailments, it is the responsibility of the parents to be aware of their status.
The cause of the disease is unknown
On the other hand, the biggest mystery regarding the Acute lymphoblastic leukemia it is its cause. Despite all the research, it has not yet been possible to identify how or why it originates.
With the above in mind, it is considered a multifactorial disease. To date, it is mentioned that its main causes are genetic. Similarly, exposure to pesticides and ionizing radiation is suspected to increase the risk, although more research is still needed on the subject.
Similarly, Dr. Saráchaga pointed out that one of the most important parts is early diagnosis. The sooner the disease is identified the better because it can be started immediately with the right treatment.
Hematic biometry is one of the tests that works best to accurately detect the Acute lymphoblastic leukemia. There are also other tests that are a little more expensive, such as bone marrow studies that help to know the stage of the disease.
Finally, thanks to medical and technological advances, it is now a tumor with a high cure rate. Just 30 years ago all patients were doomed to die. In contrast, now up to 80 percent of children can overcome the neoplasm, as long as it is detected at an early stage and the indicated treatment is followed correctly.