How is Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia Diagnosed?

Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia (ALL) is diagnosed through a series of tests that examine the blood and bone marrow. The process usually begins with a physical examination where the doctor checks for physical signs of ALL such as pale skin, swollen lymph nodes, and enlargement of the liver and spleen. If ALL is suspected, the following tests may be conducted:

Blood Tests

Bone Marrow Tests

Lumbar Puncture (Spinal Tap)

A lumbar puncture is not typically used as a primary diagnostic test for ALL, but may be performed in certain situations. ALL can sometimes involve the central nervous system, and it's important to assess whether leukemia cells have spread to the brain and spinal cord. A lumbar puncture is used to obtain cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), which surrounds the brain and spinal cord. CSF can be examined for the presence of leukemia cells.

Imaging Tests

Imaging tests such as X-rays, CT scans, or MRIs are not usually used to directly diagnose ALL itself, but they may be used in certain situations. Imaging tests may be used to detect or monitor complications related to ALL, such as infections, bleeding, or organ enlargement caused by leukemia cells. They may also be used once a diagnosis of ALL is confirmed as part of the staging process to determine the extent of disease involvement and whether it has spread to other parts of the body. This information helps guide treatment decisions.

A Summary of Diagnosing Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia

It's important to note that the diagnosis and classification of ALL is complex and requires a comprehensive evaluation by a team of specialists. A complete diagnosis requires a physical examination, looking at a bone marrow sample under the microscope, immunophenotyping, karyotype analysis and often molecular genetic testing. The specific markers and genetic changes found in the bone marrow sample can also help determine a person's prognosis and guide treatment decisions. If you don't currently have an ALL specialist on your team, it is important that you consult with one. Use HealthTree's ALL Specialist Directory to locate a specialist near you.