Adult T-cell leukemia (ATL)

Adult T-cell leukemia (ATL) is a rare, aggressive cancer of a type of white blood cell called T-cells, caused by infection with the human T-cell lymphotropic virus type 1 (HTLV-1). It typically develops in middle-aged or older adults and can lead to symptoms like swollen lymph nodes, skin lesions, weight loss, and infections. The disease results from the uncontrolled growth of infected T-cells, impairing the immune system and affecting various organs. Diagnosis involves blood tests and scans, while treatment may include chemotherapy, targeted therapy, or stem cell transplantation, but ATL often has a challenging prognosis.