acute lymphoblastic leukemia
Also written as: ALL — acute lymphoblastic leukemia
A rapidly progressing cancer of the lymphoid blood cells, commonly abbreviated as ALL in medical documentation.
Full Definition
Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) is a malignant disorder characterized by the abnormal proliferation and accumulation of immature lymphoid cells in the bone marrow and blood. This condition progresses rapidly without treatment and primarily affects children, though it can occur in adults. Medical editors must distinguish this from acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and ensure proper capitalization in formal clinical documentation.
Usage
Usage note: Always spell out on first use in patient-facing materials; acceptable to use ALL abbreviation in clinical documentation after initial definition.
In Context
- "The patient was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia following cytogenetic analysis." — Clinical case report
- "ALL protocols require careful dose modifications in pediatric populations." — Treatment guideline