Leukemia in children is similar to that in adults but may have particular features. Acute leukemia is a type of cancer characterized by the spread of cancer cells originating from stem cells in the bone marrow. These cells multiply uncontrollably, invade the bone marrow, enter the bloodstream, and can spread throughout the body. This proliferation disrupts the production of all blood cells (white and red blood cells, and platelets). As of 2023, it is the most common cancer in children, accounting for around 30% of pediatric cancer cases.
The two main types in children are acute lymphoblastic leukemia (80% of cases) and acute myeloid leukemia. The exact causes of leukemia in children are not always clearly defined, but it is believed to be linked to genetic, environmental factors or a combination of certain events occurring in the bone marrow’s stem cells.
Symptoms of Leukemia
Leukemia symptoms in children can vary depending on the type and stage of leukemia. They may also be similar to those of other common childhood illnesses, making diagnosis challenging. Here are common symptoms to watch for in a child who may have leukemia:
- Fatigue and Weakness: The child may feel extremely tired with little energy for daily activities.
- Paleness: Pale skin and mucous membranes, such as lips and gums, may be observed due to anemia caused by low red blood cell count.
- Bruising and Unusual Bleeding: The child may develop unexplained bruising or experience nose or gum bleeding or prolonged bleeding after minor injuries.
- Frequent Infections: A tendency for recurrent infections, such as respiratory or urinary infections, as normal white blood cells that fight infections may be limited.
- Fever: Prolonged fever with no apparent cause may be a symptom of leukemia.
- Swollen Lymph Nodes: The child may present with enlarged lymph nodes, typically in the neck, armpits, or groin.
- Bone and Joint Pain: The child may complain of bone or joint pain, sometimes accompanied by swelling.
- Unexplained Weight Loss: A child with leukemia may lose weight with no obvious cause.
- Digestive Issues: Symptoms like nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, and abdominal pain may occur.
It is essential to note that these symptoms are common and may be caused by other conditions. If in doubt, or if these signs persist or worsen, it is important to consult a healthcare professional for an in-depth evaluation. Diagnosing leukemia in children requires blood tests and specific medical exams by a pediatrician or pediatric oncology specialist. Early detection and prompt treatment improve the chances of success in managing leukemia in children.
How to Know if Your Child Has Leukemia
Here are steps to follow if you suspect your child may have leukemia:
- Observe Symptoms: Watch for unusual changes in behavior, physical appearance, or health, such as extreme fatigue, frequent bruising, unusual bleeding, recurrent infections, paleness, prolonged fever, bone or joint pain, swollen lymph nodes, unexplained weight loss, etc.
- Consult a Healthcare Professional: If you notice concerning symptoms in your child, schedule an appointment with a pediatrician or general practitioner. Describe in detail the symptoms you’ve observed and any relevant health information about your child.
- Medical Examination: The doctor will conduct a thorough physical examination and ask questions about the child’s medical history, symptoms, and general health.
- Blood Tests: The doctor may order blood tests to check levels of red and white blood cells and platelets, as well as other relevant markers. Blood tests may reveal abnormalities that could require further investigation.
- Referral to a Specialist: If leukemia or another serious illness is suspected, the doctor may refer your child to a pediatric oncology specialist or a hematologist (a doctor specializing in blood diseases) for further tests.
- Additional Examinations: The specialist may conduct further tests, such as a bone marrow biopsy and other specific tests to confirm or rule out leukemia.
It’s essential not to panic and to allow healthcare professionals to conduct a complete evaluation. Many symptoms can have benign causes, but it is crucial to have proper medical follow-up to establish an accurate diagnosis and set up an appropriate treatment plan if needed.
How to Treat Your Child’s Leukemia
Treatment for childhood leukemia depends on the specific type of leukemia, the stage of the disease, the child’s age, and overall health. The main treatment options include:
- Chemotherapy: Chemotherapy is the primary treatment for most children with leukemia. It involves the use of powerful drugs to destroy leukemia cells and stop their growth. Chemotherapy may be administered intravenously, orally, or intrathecally (directly into the cerebrospinal fluid).
- Targeted Therapy: In some cases, targeted therapy drugs may be used to specifically attack leukemia cells without damaging surrounding healthy cells. These drugs can be used in combination with chemotherapy or as the main treatment.
- Radiotherapy: Radiotherapy uses high-energy radiation to target and destroy cancer cells. It is usually used to treat leukemia that has spread to certain specific areas of the body.
- Bone Marrow or Stem Cell Transplant: In some cases, a bone marrow or stem cell transplant may be necessary. This involves replacing the patient’s bone marrow with healthy marrow from a compatible donor, helping to rebuild the patient’s immune system after intensive chemotherapy or radiotherapy.
- Maintenance Therapy: After an initial, more intensive phase of treatment, some children may receive lower-dose maintenance therapy to sustain remission and prevent relapse.
- Clinical Trials: In some cases, children with leukemia may be eligible to participate in clinical trials testing new treatments or treatment combinations.
Success rates for treating childhood leukemia have significantly increased over the years thanks to advances in medicine and research. Today, many children with leukemia can be cured or maintained in long-term remission. However, treatment can be lengthy and challenging, requiring close monitoring and management of side effects to maximize success and ensure the best possible quality of life for the child.
It is essential for the parents or guardians of a child with leukemia to work closely with the medical team, follow treatment recommendations carefully, monitor side effects, and provide emotional and psychological support to the child throughout the treatment journey. Many children with leukemia respond well to treatment and can lead healthy, fulfilling lives after remission.
Advances in Research with Imagine for Margo
Since 2011, Imagine for Margo has made research against cancer in children, adolescents, and young adults a priority. Given the current situation, the association funds numerous research programs aimed at curing more children and improving outcomes for young people affected by cancer. Some of these include:
You can find the complete list of pediatric cancer research programs by clicking here.
Current research on childhood leukemia is expected to further improve the management of this disease by increasing the effectiveness of treatments and reducing their side effects.
If you want to help research and support a future without childhood cancer, feel free to donate by clicking here. Every action counts in our fight for life.
Together, we will defeat cancer in children and adolescents.
