Mayo Clinic Care Network Content
Definitions

Acute lymphoblastic leukemia


Overview

Acute lymphoblastic leukemia is the most common childhood cancer. It occurs when a bone marrow cell develops errors in its DNA.

Symptoms

Symptoms may include enlarged lymph nodes, bruising, fever, bone pain, bleeding from the gums, and frequent infections.

Treatments

Treatments may include chemotherapy, radiation, and targeted drugs that specifically kill cancer cells.