Leukemia is the most common cancer diagnosed in children, accounting for about 30% of all pediatric cancers. Childhood leukemia is more common among Hispanic children and those who are white. The most common age for childhood leukemia is between the ages of 1-4.
Facing childhood leukemia can be overwhelming for families, but today, early detection and modern treatments offer a much brighter outlook, with a high success rate of the treatment.
The signs of leukemia in children can often be subtle and easily mistaken for common childhood illnesses. It is crucial to recognize the early warning signs of leukemia in children for timely diagnosis and effective treatment.
What is Leukemia?
Leukemia occurs when the body begins to develop abnormal white blood cells that crowd out healthy blood cells. White blood cells develop from the stem cells in the bone marrow, and when they grow abnormally, they don’t function properly and weaken the immune system.
Type of Leukemia:
- Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia: It is the most common type of leukemia in children that progresses rapidly.
- Acute Myeloid Leukemia: It is less common than acute lymphocytic leukemia but more aggressive.
- Chronic Myeloblastic Leukemia: It is rare in children, progresses slowly, and may not show symptoms initially.
Causes of Childhood Leukemia
The exact cause of leukemia in kids is still not known, but several risk factors have been identified:
- Genetic Mutations: Random changes in DNA can cause abnormal blood cell growth. Sometimes these changes occur before birth.
- Inherited Disorders: Conditions like Li-Fraumeni syndrome, Down syndrome, and Fanconi anemia can increase the risk.
- Chemical Exposure: Prolonged exposure to chemicals like benzene may increase risk.
- Exposure to Radiation: If a pregnant woman is exposed to high levels of radiation, the child may be at greater risk.
- Previous Cancer Treatment: If a child was treated with chemotherapy or radiation therapy, they have a higher chance of developing leukemia later in life.
- Weakened Immune System: Children with congenital immune disorders are at higher risk.
While researchers continue to explore the exact causes, it’s important to remember that most cases of childhood leukemia occur without any known reason.
Early Signs and Symptoms of Leukemia in Children
The early symptoms of leukemia in kids can be hard to spot, as the signs can vary based on the type and stage.
Below are some of the signs and symptoms of leukemia in children, but these symptoms are also common in other disorders. It is recommended to consult a medical professional for a proper diagnosis. Symptoms include:
Frequent Infections
White blood cells protect the body by fighting off infections. In the case of leukemia in children, these healthy white blood cells are replaced by abnormal cells, which can not function properly. As a result, children may develop frequent infections such as ear infections, respiratory infections, and high fever.
Fatigue and Weakness
When leukemia cells collect in the blood, it causes the blood to become thick, which leads to slow blood circulation through small vessels in the brain. Due to a lack of healthy red blood cells in the body, most children experience severe weakness and exhaustion even after adequate rest. They may appear tired, pale, and feel irritable.
Easy Bleeding or Bruising
Due to a reduced number of platelets, children may begin to bruise more easily. Tiny red dots on the skin, frequent nose bleeds, bleeding gums, prolonged bleeding from minor cuts, and large bruises without known injuries are some of the common symptoms.
Bone and Joint Pain
Frequent bone and joint pain, particularly in the legs or arms, is commonly seen in children with leukemia. This is because of the abnormal cell buildup in the bone marrow that produces pressure and causes arthritis pain.
Loss of Appetite and Weight Loss
Leukemia can cause the spleen or liver to enlarge, and it starts pressing against the stomach. This makes the child feel full even after small meals, which can lead to noticeable weight loss over a short period.
Trouble Breathing
In some cases, where the white blood cell count is very high, the leukemia cells can build up in the small vessels of the lungs. This can cause difficulty breathing.
Swollen Lymph Nodes
When leukemia cells spread to the lymph nodes, it can cause lumps under the skin in certain parts, such as the sides of the neck, armpits, around the collarbone, or in the groin.
Frequent Headaches
In some children, leukemia has spread to the brain and spinal cord, which can cause frequent headaches, seizures, vomiting, balance problems, and blurred vision.
It is essential to seek medical attention if your child experiences a combination of these symptoms for more than two weeks.
Diagnosis
The following tests may be used for the diagnosis of leukemia:
- Physical Examination: A doctor will look for physical signs such as swollen lymph nodes, pale skin, and an enlarged liver or spleen.
- Blood Test: A complete blood count (CBC) test can be done that identifies the size, number, and stage of growth of different blood cells.
- Bone Marrow Biopsy: A bone marrow sample is removed for testing the type of cancer.
- Imaging Tests: CT scans, MRIs, and X-rays are done to assess the extent of the disease and its spread to other parts of the body.
- Ultrasound (Sonography): Images of blood vessels, organs, and tissues are obtained through high-frequency sound waves.
Also Read:- Best Hematologists in India
Treatment for Leukemia
There is no one-size-fits-all approach for the treatment of leukemia in children. The doctor will decide the treatment plan based on your child’s risk level, including:
- Age
- Overall health
- Genetics
- Type of leukemia
- The extent and severity of the disease
Generally, the treatment begins by taking care of the first symptoms. Treatment options include:
- Chemotherapy: It is the main treatment for childhood leukemia, in which medicines are given orally or through IV (intravenously) to kill or stop the growth of the cancer cells.
- Radiation Therapy: This therapy is used when leukemia has spread to the brain.
- Targeted Therapy: In this treatment, drugs only attack specific leukemia cells, minimizing harm to healthy cells.
- Bone Marrow Transplant: It is a preferred option for high-risk leukemia cases where diseased or cancerous bone marrow is replaced with healthy blood-forming stem cells.
Also Read:- Bone marrow transplant cost in India
Final Thoughts
Childhood leukemia is a serious illness, but finding it early and starting treatment quickly can save lives. Parents should pay close attention to any unusual symptoms in their child, even if they seem minor. Sometimes, these signs can look like common illnesses, which is why it’s important to stay alert. If something doesn’t seem right, it’s always a good idea to talk to a doctor. Getting help early can lead to better treatment and a faster recovery.
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