Childhood Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL) Symptoms, Causes, Treatment - What are symptoms and signs of childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL)? on MedicineNet

Childhood Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (cont.)

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Family history and exposure to radiation may affect the risk of developing childhood ALL.

Anything that increases your risk of getting a disease is called a risk factor. Having a risk factor does not mean that you will get cancer; not having risk factors doesn't mean that you will not get cancer. People who think they may be at risk should discuss this with their doctor. Possible risk factors for ALL include the following:

Having a brother or sister with leukemia.
Being white or Hispanic.
Living in the United States.
Being exposed to x-rays before birth.
Being exposed to radiation.
Past treatment with chemotherapy or other drugs that weaken the immune system.
Having certain changes in genes or genetic disorders, such as Down syndrome.

Possible signs of childhood ALL include fever and bruising.

These and other symptoms may be caused by childhood ALL. Other conditions may cause the same symptoms. A doctor should be consulted if any of the following problems occur:

Fever.
Easy bruising or bleeding.
Petechiae (flat, pinpoint, dark-red spots under the skin caused by bleeding).
Bone or joint pain.
Painless lumps in the neck, underarm, stomach, or groin.
Pain or feeling of fullness below the ribs.
Weakness, feeling tired, or looking pale.
Loss of appetite.

Reviewed on 2/3/2012

Next: How is childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) diagnosed?

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Childhood Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia - Family History Question: If your child has ALL, is there a family history or exposure to radiation? Please share your story.