However, many of these symptoms are common and can indicate a range of illnesses. The doctor will perform various tests and assessments before making a diagnosis. There are different types of childhood leukemia. Regardless, catching and treating leukemia early can improve the outcome. Doctors can now treat many cases of childhood leukemia successfully. Methods of treatment are advancing, and survival rates for some forms of the disease continue to improve.
Read this article in Spanish. Acute myeloid leukemia and acute lymphoblastic leukemia are both cancers of the blood and bone marrow. Learn more here. Leukemia is a cancer of the blood that can affect may different parts of the body, including the bones, immune system, and heart. Learn more about its…. Acute and chronic leukemia are types of cancer that vary based on the degree of cell differentiation.
They also differ in symptoms and outlook. Lyme disease may cause inflammation in the body, which, in rare cases, can raise a person's risk of certain blood cancers such as leukemia or lymphoma. Mast cell leukemia is a subtype of mastocytosis. It is extremely rare but very aggressive.
Due to its rarity, there are few clinical trials on this…. What are the early symptoms of leukemia in children? A pediatric oncologist a doctor who specializes in childhood cancer will lead the medical team caring for a child with leukemia. The oncologist works with other specialists, including nurses, social workers, psychologists, and surgeons.
Chemotherapy is the main treatment for childhood leukemia. The dosages and drugs used may differ based on the child's age and the type of leukemia. Remission means that doctors see no cancer cells in the body.
Most kids are cured of the disease. This means that they're in permanent remission. Having a child being treated for cancer can feel overwhelming for any family. But you're not alone. To find support, talk to anyone on the care team or a hospital social worker.
Many resources are available to help you and your child. Reviewed by: Jonathan L. Powell, MD. Chronic leukemias are rare in children. Learn about the risk factors for childhood leukemia and if there are things that can be done to help lower the risk. Know the signs and symptoms of childhood leukemia. Find out how childhood leukemia is tested for, diagnosed, and classified. If you are facing childhood leukemia, we can help you learn about the treatment options and possible side effects, and point you to information and services to help in your cancer journey.
Get information about how to live well after childhood leukemia treatment and make decisions about next steps.
If your child has just been diagnosed with leukemia, this short, simple guide can help. What Causes Leukemia? Bleeding or bruising: Children may begin to bruise more easily. These are caused by very small blood vessels that have "leaked" or bled. Recurrent infections: The many white blood cells found in leukemia do not fight infection.
The child may have had repeated viral or bacterial infections with a fever, runny nose and cough. Leukemia cells can collect in the kidney, liver, and spleen, causing swelling of these organs.
Swollen lymph nodes: Lymph nodes under the arms or in the groin, chest or neck may swell. As they filter the blood, lymph nodes may collect leukemia cells.
Difficulty breathing : In T-cell ALL, leukemia cells tend to clump around the thymus gland behind the breast bone. Diagnosis of Leukemia In addition to a complete medical history and physical exam, a number of tests may be used for diagnosis.
Bone marrow aspiration and biopsy — A special hollow needle and general anesthesia are used. A bone marrow sample is removed and tested to find out the type of cancer. Complete blood count CBC — This test looks at the size, number, and stage of growth of different blood cells. Additional blood tests — These may include blood chemical levels, liver and kidney tests and genetic tests. Computerized tomography scan CT or CAT scan — X-rays and computer technology produce cross-section images often called slices of the body.
CT scans are more detailed than general X-rays. Magnetic resonance imaging MRI — Large magnets, radio waves and a computer produce detailed images of body parts. X-ray — Invisible electromagnetic energy beams make a picture of tissues, bones and organs.
Ultrasound also called sonography — High-frequency sound waves and a computer create images of blood vessels, tissues and organs. Lymph node biopsy — A small incision is made using local anesthetic. One or more lymph nodes are removed to be examined under a microscope. A special needle is placed into the spinal canal, below the level of the back where the spinal cord ends. The pressure is checked and a small amount of cerebral spinal fluid CSF is removed.
This sample is tested for infection or other problems. CSF is the fluid that bathes your child's brain and spinal cord. Stages Unlike some other cancers, leukemia is not divided into stages.
Treatment for Leukemia Treatment for leukemia varies. Treatment for leukemia may also include: Chemotherapy — Strong medicines are given by mouth or through an IV intravenously. These drugs target cells that are growing fast, as cancer cells do. Side effects are common because these strong drugs can also harm some normal cells. Radiation therapy — Targeted energy, such as X-rays, kills leukemia cells. It can help with pain from swollen liver, spleen or lymph nodes.
It can also relieve pain from bone marrow expansion. Fresh, healthy stem cells are then needed to replace the bone marrow cells that have been killed.
To do this, donor stem cells are given by IV. From the blood stream, they make their way to the bone marrow. These fresh stem cells then start making normal white blood cells, red blood cells and platelets.
Or, they may help guide drugs or radiation directly to the cancer cells. Medicines — Drugs to prevent or treat side effects of leukemia treatment may be given. Medicines may also be given for nausea or pain. Antibiotics — Medicines may be given to prevent or treat infections.
Follow-up care — Follow-up is needed to gauge how well treatment is working. It can also help doctors know if the disease is coming back and help them manage any late effects of treatment.
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