Experiences with

Acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL)

SymptomsDiagnosisMedical treatmentsCauses

Symptoms of acute lymphoblastic leukaemia include feeling tired, bleeding or bruising easily, looking more pale than usual and getting ill a lot.

Tests to check for acute lymphoblastic leukaemia include blood tests and taking a sample from your bone marrow to test.

Treatment for acute lymphoblastic leukaemia may include steroids, chemotherapy, targeted medicines or a stem cell or bone marrow transplant.

You may be more likely to get acute lymphoblastic leukaemia if you're a child or young adult, or if you have a genetic condition like Down's syndrome.

Main symptoms of acute lymphoblastic leukaemia

Symptoms of acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL) are not always obvious at first and can be similar to other conditions.

They usually appear quite quickly over a few weeks.

The main symptoms include:

  • feeling tired or weak
  • bleeding or bruising easily or for no reason
  • looking more pale than usual
  • getting ill a lot or taking longer than usual to recover from illnesses
  • a high temperature
  • swollen glands (usually in the neck, armpits and groin)
  • pain in the bones or joints
  • loss of appetite or losing weight without trying
  • shortness of breath
  • a swollen tummy – your tummy may feel painful, uncomfortable or full

Less common symptoms include:

  • a headache
  • being sick
  • blurred vision
  • fits (seizures)
  • a cough
  • a swollen and red face, neck, arms or hands – the redness may be harder to see on brown and black skin
  • swollen veins in the neck or chest

  • you or your child have symptoms of acute lymphoblastic leukaemia

  • your child is bleeding or bruising easily or for no reason

You or your child:

  • have a swollen and red face, neck, arms or hands that came on suddenly – on brown and black skin the redness may be harder to see
  • have swollen veins in the neck or chest that came on suddenly
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Who is more likely to get acute lymphoblastic leukaemia

Acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL) is rare, but anyone can get it.

It's not always clear what causes it.

You might be more likely to get it if:

  • you're a child or young adult – it's most common in children aged 4 and under
  • you have a genetic condition such as Down's syndrome
  • you've had certain types of chemotherapy treatment in the past
  • you were exposed to a lot of radiation or had radiotherapy treatment in the past, especially when you were a child
  • you are exposed to high levels of a chemical called benzene
  • you have a weakened immune system, for example you have HIV

Main tests for acute lymphoblastic leukaemia

If the GP refers you or your child to a specialist, you may need some tests to check for acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL).

Tests may include:

  • blood tests
  • taking a small sample from the bone marrow using a needle (biopsy)

You may not have both of these tests.

If you have a bone marrow biopsy, you'll usually have a local anaesthetic, and you may be given medicine to help you relax (sedation). Young children may be given a general anaesthetic.

Main treatments for acute lymphoblastic leukaemia

Acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL) is often treatable.

Treatment usually needs to start quickly.

The treatment will depend on:

  • the type of acute lymphoblastic leukaemia you have
  • your age
  • your general health

It will usually include steroids and chemotherapy. It may also include targeted medicines, immunotherapy or a stem cell or bone marrow transplant.

Treatments to prevent and manage symptoms (called supportive treatments) will also be offered.

The specialist care team looking after you will:

  • explain the treatments, benefits and side effects
  • work with you to create a treatment plan
  • help manage any side effects

You'll have regular check-ups during and after any treatments. You may also have tests and scans.

If you have any symptoms or side effects that you're worried about, talk to your specialists. You do not need to wait for your next check-up.

Where to find help and support

You and your loved ones will be supported throughout the treatment by a group of specialists.

The clinical nurse specialist, or another member of your specialist team will be able to give you information on local support services that you may find helpful.

There are also national cancer charities that offer support and information about acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL).

Blood Cancer UK

Information and support for anyone affected by blood cancer.

Leukaemia Care

Information and support for anyone affected by leukaemia.

Children's Cancer and Leukaemia Group

Information and resources for parents and carers of children with cancer.

Macmillan Cancer Support

Information and support for anyone affected by cancer.

Cancer Research UK

Information and support for anyone affected by cancer.

Marie Curie

Care and support for anyone affected by a terminal illness.

Related links

Content supplied by the NHS website

HealthUnlocked contains information from NHS Digital, licensed under the current version of the Open Government Licence

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