Diagnostic tests and procedures of acute lymphocytic leukemia include blood tests, CT scan, x-ray, and ultrasound, bone marrow biopsy test, and spinal fluid test. Elaborate all symptoms and discomfort so that your doctor can analyze your situation.
Diagnostic Tests and Procedures for Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia
New York (USA), June 25, 2013
Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia: Diagnostic Tests and Procedures
Diagnostic tests and procedures of acute lymphocytic leukemia include:
Blood Tests: Blood test can detect if your blood is lacking in platelets and red blood cells and whether you have excessive white blood cells. Blood test also indicates presence of blast cells in bone marrow. Irrespective of white blood cell count, acute lymphocytic leukemia patients exhibit neutropenia.
Imaging Tests: CT scan, x-ray, and ultrasound can detect extent of spread of cancer cells in spinal cord, brain, and other parts of your body. X-ray detects presence of pneumonia and mediastinal mass in T-cell acute lymphocytic leukemia. CT scan discloses extent of acute lymphocytic leukemia even in those with mediastinal mass.
Bone Marrow Biopsy Test: This is a definitive test to confirm acute lymphocytic leukemia diagnosis. A sample of bone marrow is taken by inserting a needle into your hipbone. This sample is tested in the laboratory for presence of leukemia cells. This test reveals details of type of cells, shape and size of cells, and whether leukemia cells originated from B lymphocytes or T lymphocytes. Bone marrow samples should also be sent for flow cytometry and cytogenetics.
Spinal Fluid Test: This is same as spinal tap test or lumbar puncture test. This test collects a sample of spinal fluid from area surrounding your brain and spinal cord to detect if cancer cells have spread to spinal fluid.
If these tests establish presence of acute lymphocytic leukemia, electrocardiograph or ECG is essential, as most chemotherapeutic agents used for treating acute lymphocytic leukemia are cardio toxic.
Schedule a doctor appointment right at the onset. Elaborate all symptoms and discomfort so that your doctor can analyze your situation. If your doctor suspects acute lymphocytic leukemia, he will refer you to a doctor specializing in treating diseases and conditions of blood and bone marrow. You will have to undergo various tests. Reports are available only after specific time. However, during this interim period take care not to exaggerate existing symptoms. Focus only on important tasks and allow body to rest. Do not take on excessive mental or physical stress.
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