Acute Blood Cancer (Acute Leukemia): Definition, Symptoms, Diagnosis and Treatment

General Overview

What is Acute Blood Cancer?

Acute blood cancer encompasses a group of malignancies arising from abnormal transformation of hematopoietic stem cells. Tumor changes may involve the myeloid or lymphoid cell lineages, classifying acute leukemias into:

• Acute myeloid leukemia (AML)
• Acute lymphoblastic (or lymphocytic) leukemia (ALL)

Both subtypes require rapid diagnosis and treatment.

Symptoms of Acute Blood Cancer

Common Signs and Symptoms

Clinical manifestations result from bone marrow failure, infiltration of leukemic cells into organs, or both. Key features include:

• Sudden onset with rapid progression (days to weeks)
• Low white blood cell count (leukopenia)
• Frequent infections
• Persistent fatigue unrelieved by rest
• Shortness of breath
• Pale skin
• Night sweats
• Low-grade fever
• Bone and joint pain
• Slow wound healing
• Nosebleeds, bleeding gums, petechiae, or bruising under the skin

Potential Complications

Tumor lysis syndrome: Rapid breakdown of tumor cells releases large amounts of potassium, phosphate, uric acid, and LDH, causing electrolyte imbalances. Acute kidney injury and cardiac arrhythmias are among the most concerning manifestations.

Leukostasis: Increased blood viscosity due to excessive immature white blood cells (>100,000/μL) increases risk of neurologic and pulmonary vascular complications.

Oncologic emergencies: These may be metabolic (tumor lysis syndrome, malignant hypercalcemia), hematologic (hyperviscosity syndrome), structural (superior vena cava syndrome), or therapy-related (febrile neutropenia).

Febrile neutropenia: Fever in a patient with neutrophils ≤500/μL significantly elevates risk of severe infection (e.g., bacterial sepsis, aspergillosis, Candida, or herpesvirus).

When to See a Doctor

Causes of Acute Blood Cancer

Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL)

No identifiable cause or risk factor in most cases

Prior bone marrow damage from alkylating chemotherapy or ionizing radiation

Adult T-cell leukemia/lymphoma associated with HTLV infection

Genetic/chromosomal predispositions: Down syndrome, neurofibromatosis type 1, ataxia-telangiectasia

Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML)

No identifiable cause in many cases

Pre-existing hematologic disorders (myelodysplastic syndrome, aplastic anemia, myeloproliferative neoplasms)

Environmental exposures: alkylating chemotherapy, ionizing radiation, benzene, cigarette smoking

Genetic/chromosomal syndromes: Down syndrome, Fanconi anemia

Risk Factors for Acute Blood Cancer

Although acute leukemia can occur without any risk factors, some known factors include:

• Cigarette smoking
• Prior chemotherapy or radiotherapy for other cancers
• Exposure to high levels of radiation
• Genetic disorders such as Down syndrome
• Having a sibling with acute lymphoblastic leukemia

Diagnosis of Acute Blood Cancer

All leukemias are diagnosed by examining blood and bone marrow samples.

• Complete blood count (CBC): Provides cell counts and identifies cytopenias or leukocytosis.
• Bone marrow biopsy: Confirms diagnosis and subtype.
• Cytogenetic and molecular testing: Detect chromosomal abnormalities or gene mutations guiding prognosis and targeted therapy.
• Peripheral smear microscopy: Visualizes abnormal cell morphology.

Additional tests may assess organ involvement (e.g., liver, spleen) and complications.

Treatment of Acute Blood Cancer

Treatment depends on the type and extent of the disease at diagnosis. Because acute leukemia progresses rapidly, therapy typically begins immediately after diagnosis.

• Chemotherapy: Primary treatment aimed at eradicating leukemic cells.
• Targeted therapy: Drugs designed to attack specific mutations or pathways (e.g., FLT3 inhibitors for AML).
• Stem cell transplantation: Offers potential cure for selected patients after initial remission.
• Supportive care: Blood transfusions, infection prophylaxis, growth factors, and management of complications.

Treatment is often intensive and may require hospitalization. Regular blood and marrow tests monitor treatment response; regimens may be adjusted accordingly.

Lifestyle and Prevention

Healthy Habits

• Maintain healthy weight and fitness: Engage in light exercise such as walking or yoga if your condition allows.
• Avoid harmful exposures: Minimize contact with tobacco, alcohol, environmental pollutants, and stress. Create a calm, supportive home environment.
• Get adequate sleep: Support immune recovery and energy restoration.
• Adhere to treatment schedules: Take medications on time and attend all follow-up appointments.
• Seek psychological support: Counseling, support groups, family, and friends can help manage the emotional impact of acute leukemia.

Nutrition Tips

Eat nutrient-dense foods: green vegetables (broccoli, cabbage, bok choy, kale), fresh fruits (apples, berries), whole grains, low-fat dairy, fiber-rich foods (beans, seeds), and lean proteins (chicken, fish, soy, chia seeds, flaxseeds).

Stay hydrated: Drink adequate fluids throughout the day.

Limit unhealthy foods: Reduce saturated fat, added sugar, processed foods, sugary drinks, excess salt, and artificial additives.

Prevent infection: Avoid raw or undercooked food; practice safe food hygiene.

Prevention Strategies