What age group is typically affected by Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL)?

Prepare for USMLE Step 1 Pathology Exam with comprehensive quizzes, flashcards, and detailed explanations. Enhance your understanding and be exam-ready!

Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL) predominantly affects children, particularly those between the ages of 2 and 5 years old. This type of leukemia is characterized by the rapid proliferation of immature lymphoblasts, leading to a disruption in the normal production of blood cells. While ALL can occur in adults as well, it is significantly more common in the pediatric population, making children the typical age group affected.

As for other age groups, adults over 60 generally have a lower incidence of ALL compared to younger individuals, and although adolescents aged 15-20 can develop ALL, this is less common. Infants can also be affected by a variety of leukemias, but the peak incidence for ALL is more clearly defined within childhood. Therefore, selecting children as the age group typically affected by ALL aligns with epidemiological data reflecting the condition's higher prevalence in this demographic.

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