Leukemia Symptoms in Children

Leukemia usually starts in the bone marrow, where white blood cells (WBC), red blood cells and platelets are produced. When, for certain reasons, the bone marrow starts making or producing a large number of white blood cells, the condition is termed as 'leukemia'. These abnormal blood cells are known as 'leukemia cells'. They are not matured enough and they do not perform the work of normal white blood cells. They continue to reproduce themselves and over time, these cells tend to crowd out the normal blood cells. This, in turn, causes severe repercussions such as anemia, bleeding and infections.

Leukemia has its forms divided into four different types. They are acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), acute myelogenous leukemia (AML), chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) and chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML). Out of all these types, children are mostly affected by ALL and AML. The following description is about the different leukemia symptoms in children. Also know about other aspects of this disease by reading more on facts about leukemia and history of leukemia.

Leukemia in Children
The most common symptom of leukemia that is found in children is increased incidents of developing fevers and infections. This happens primarily due to the fact that, the infection-fighting white blood cells are defective and thus do not provide any kind of protection against any attack of illness.

As mentioned earlier, leukemia in its later stage, results in the children becoming anemic. They will appear pale and become more tired than normally are and also experience abnormal incidents of shortness of breath. This happens as the leukemia cells also affect the oxygen carrying red blood cells, which are being produced in the bone marrow.

Not only are the red-blood cells affected, the production of platelets is also affected due to leukemia. Due to this, problems of blood clotting is also one of the common leukemia symptoms in children. Frequent nosebleeds, bleeding for a longer period of time and the tendency to bleed easily, are also some of the symptoms of leukemia in children.

Other leukemia symptoms in children include bone or joint pain. However, not all leukemic children suffer from joint pain. The pain arises due to the buildup of leukemia cells in the bone marrow.

The abnormal white blood cells may also get collected in the liver, kidney and spleen. The abnormal multiplication of the cells in these organs causes them to enlarge and this leads to abdominal distress.

Apart from suffering from dyspnea (difficult or labored respiration), swollen lymph nodes in the armpit, neck or groin are the other conditions which children suffer from. To understand leukemia symptoms in children you can read more on the early signs and symptoms of leukemia.

Leukemia Treatment for Children
The types of treatment for leukemia in children is governed by the patient's age, white blood cell count and chromosomal abnormalities. It also varies according to the type of leukemia. However, chemotherapy is the common option for the treatment and this in some cases, is followed by radiation. Stem cell or bone marrow transplantation is the other form of therapy that most doctors prefer for the treatment of leukemia in children. The main aim that goes behind the treatment is to destroy the leukemic cells and restore the growth of normal cells in the bone marrow.

Depending on the severity of the disease, other forms of treatment may include intrathecal medications/chemotherapy and biological therapy. Leukemia treatment may cause severe side effects in the body and in order to prevent or treat the damage, the patient is put on medications. Blood transfusion, to make up for the RBCs and platelets, administration of medications for countering the side effects of treatment and antibiotics to prevent infections, is also included in the procedures for leukemia treatment in children.

Leukemia symptoms in children and in adults should not be a subject of ignorance and delay. It is required to be aware of the causes of leukemia and more importantly about the warning signs of leukemia, so that immediate medical intervention can be called for and that too at the earliest. What more could be the treatment options available for the disease? Clear and precise answers can be sought from a qualified doctor. Post-treatment, uninterrupted care and continuous follow-ups are necessary for a speedy recuperation for the patient.