Acute lymphocytic leukemia is a malignant condition in which immature white blood cells are produced in abnormally large quantities and disrupt normal blood cell growth. The blood cells, also referred to as blasts, accumulate in bone marrow, blood, and lymphatics, and they circulate throughout the blood and lymphatic system. Vital organs, including the lungs, kidney, spleen, and liver, are often damaged as a result of the condition. Leukemic cells can also affect tissue of the brain and spinal cord.
A cancerous blood disease in which there is an increase of white (lymphocyte) blood cells.
A hematological malignancy marked by the unchecked multiplication of immature lymphoid cells in the bone marrow, blood, and body tissues. In 2008 the American Cancer Society estimated about 5400 Americans would be diagnosed with ALL. It is rapidly fatal if left untreated.