Children with leukemia may experience symptoms such as fatigue, fever, night sweats, infections, inability to breathe, pale skin, unintentional weight loss, and more.
Leukemia It is cancer of the blood-forming tissues of the body along with the bone marrow and lymphatic system. It is commonly detected in children. Leukemia occurs when the DNA of a single cell in the bone marrow tends to change (mutate) and does not develop or function the way it is required. This mutation leads to the rapid and uncontrolled growth of abnormal blood cells that cause leukemia. This uncontrolled growth affects the bone marrow, where most of the body’s blood is prepared. Exposure to radiation and chemicals, and even genetic problems, are potential risk factors that contribute to the development of this aggressive cancer. Leukemia can be fatal if not treated at the right time.
Signs and symptoms
It is the need of the hour to understand the symptoms of this cancer. If your child has any of the symptoms below, especially if she has had them for more than 2 weeks, it’s time to make an appointment. Children with leukemia may have symptoms such as fatigue, fever, night sweats, infections, inability to breathe, pale skin, unintentional weight loss, bone/joint pain or tenderness, left side rib pain, lymph nodes swollen neck. , armpit, groin or stomach, enlarged spleen or liver, and easy bruising and bleeding.
Diagnosis
The treating oncologist will take the patient’s complete medical history and perform a clinical examination. He/she will also recommend tests such as a complete blood count (CBC), blood cell examination, bone marrow aspiration and biopsy, MRI, and a CT scan. Other tests such as cytogenetics, FISH, or NGS will be required to make a proper treatment decision.
Treatment
Treatment is based on the subtype of leukemia with which it is detected. Other factors such as age, general well-being, and whether it has spread to other parts of the body are also considered. The oncologist may consider chemotherapy, immunotherapy, targeted therapy, radiation therapy, or a bone marrow transplant for complete treatment of leukemia.
(Inputs: Dr. Adwait Gore, Medical Oncologist, Zen Multi-Specialty Hospital, Chembur Mumbai)
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