Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) is a disease that affects the bone marrow and blood. In people with ALL, immature blood cells called lymphoblasts multiply out of control. They build up in the bone marrow and blood and crowd out the normal, healthy blood cells the body needs.
Low levels of healthy blood cells can lead to symptoms and signs of ALL, including infection, anemia and excessive bleeding. Leukemia cells can also travel through the bloodstream and keep organs from working as they should.
Take Charge of Your Health
Talk to your primary care provider if you have symptoms that you think may be acute lymphoblastic leukemia. UW Medicine Primary Care can help you get started. Learn about Fred Hutch's relationship with UW Medicine.
Signs and Symptoms of ALL
Signs and symptoms of ALL may include:
- Anemia
- Excessive bleeding
- Fever
- Infections
ALL can get worse quickly if it is not treated. This makes it important to start treatment soon after diagnosis.
Why Symptoms Happen
Your bone marrow makes the blood cells your body needs. These include:
- White blood cells, which fight infection
- Red blood cells, which carry oxygen throughout your body
- Platelets, which help your blood clot and slow or stop bleeding
In ALL, leukemia cells crowd out these healthy blood cells. This can affect how well your body fights infection, carries oxygen and controls bleeding.