Overview
Definition
Rapidly growing cancer of the blood and bone marrow involving lymphoid precursors.
Epidemiology
Most common cancer in children.
Etiology & Risk Factors
- Genetic factors (e.g., Down syndrome)
- Radiation exposure
Clinical Symptoms
- Bone pain
- Fever
- Pallor
- Petechiae/Bleeding
- Hepatosplenomegaly
Clinical Approach
Diagnosis
- Bone marrow biopsy (>20% lymphoblasts)
- Flow cytometry
- CBC (Anemia, thrombocytopenia)
Management
- Multi-agent systemic chemotherapy
- CNS prophylaxis (intrathecal chemo)
- Bone marrow transplant
Complications
- Tumor Lysis Syndrome
- Severe infections
- Bleeding