diagnosis of Acute lymphoblastic leukemia
diagnosis of Acute lymphoblastic leukemia

Diagnosis of Acute lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL)

The diagnosis of Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) is done by hematologist at the hospital. Before physical examination for the diagnosis of Acute lymphoblastic leukemia, the doctor will take complete history. After that blood test will undergo for the analysis of the blood to check the numbers and type of blood cells.

Diagnosis of Acute lymphoblastic leukemia

After confirmation of leukaemia Cell presence in blood, the doctor will take bone marrow which is the best way to diagnosis of Acute lymphoblastic leukemia type and status of  Acute lymphoblastic leukemia so that doctor can plan for the most appropriate treatment.

The diagnosis of Acute lymphoblastic leukemia is done with the following methods,

  • Cytogenetics for diagnosis of Acute lymphoblastic leukemia
  • Bone marrow Test or Biopsy for diagnosis of Acute lymphoblastic leukemia
  • Chest x-ray for diagnosis of Acute lymphoblastic leukemia
  • Immunophenotyping for diagnosis of Acute lymphoblastic leukemia
  • Scans for diagnosis of Acute lymphoblastic leukemia
  • Lumbar puncture for diagnosis of Acute lymphoblastic leukemia

 

Cytogenetics for diagnosis of Acute lymphoblastic leukemia

For diagnosis of Acute lymphoblastic leukemia in the body Cytogenetics method is used. All cells in the body contain chromosomes that are made up of genes. The genes in the body control all functions of the cell. In Acute lymphoblastic leukemia there are changes in the structure of the chromosomes within the leukaemic cells only.
Cytogenetic tests on the blood and bone marrow sample will include a chromosome analysis for the changes that may have occur in the chromosomes of the sample. Ccytogenetic tests helps doctors to decide the best treatment option available and assess how Acute lymphoblastic leukemia may react to that treatment.

Bone marrow Test or Biopsy for diagnosis of Acute lymphoblastic leukemia

In this test fof diagnosis of Acute lymphoblastic leukemia, a small sample of bone marrow is taken from the hip bone (pelvis) or occasionally the breast bone (sternum). The sample is than analyzed with the microscope to check status of abnormal white blood cells and the type of Acute lymphoblastic leukemia which is identified by the type of abnormal white cells in the bone marrow sample.

There are some other tests which will be carried out on the bone marrow to confirm the diagnosis. Before the test of bone marrow is taken anaesthetic injection is injected to numb the area, then a needle is passed through the skin into the hip bone. A small sample of the bone marrow is taken into a syringe for the examination.

Chest x-ray for diagnosis for diagnosis of Acute lymphoblastic leukemia

One of the symptoms for Acute lymphoblastic leukemia is the swollen lymph, Chest X-ray is taken to diagnosis of Acute lymphoblastic leukemia so to check for any sign of swollen lymph glands in the chest.

Immunophenotyping for diagnosis of Acute lymphoblastic leukemia

For the diagnosis of Acute lymphoblastic leukemia, another test on the bone marrow sample have to made that will show which type of lymphocyte has become cancerous. Immunophenotyping can tell the whether Acute lymphoblastic leukemia has developed from B-lymphocytes or T-lymphocytes. Identifying the type of Acute lymphoblastic leukemia helps to plan the most suitable treatment.

Scans for diagnosis for diagnosis of Acute lymphoblastic leukemia

For diagnosis of Acute lymphoblastic leukemia, the status of Acute lymphoblastic leukemia that where it has been spread so far, MRI, CT and ultrasound scan may be done to find out if the Acute lymphoblastic leukemia has spread to other parts of your body. Your doctor or specialist nurse can tell you about any scans that may be necessary.

Lumbar puncture for diagnosis of Acute lymphoblastic leukemia

Another test for diagnosis of Acute lymphoblastic leukemia  is the Lumber puncture, in this test a small sample of the fluid that surrounds spinal and brain cord is drawn to check for leukemia cells

These above are the methods available for diagnosis of Acute lymphoblastic leukemia.

Related Topics:

What is Acute lymphoblastic leukemia

Risk factors of Acute lymphoblastic leukemia

Symptoms of Acute lymphoblastic leukemia

Diagnosis of Acute lymphoblastic leukemia

Treatment of Acute lymphoblastic leukemia

 

See Also

What is Cancer?

What are the Characteristics of Cancer

What are the Kinds of Cancer?