Leukemia is a serious cancer affecting the blood and bone marrow, particularly devastating when diagnosed in children. This chronic illness occurs when abnormal blood cells, similar to those in the uterus, grow outside their normal location. Leukemia accounts for approximately 30% of all cancers in children, making it the most prevalent childhood cancer. This disease disrupts the production of healthy white blood cells, compromising the body’s infection-fighting capabilities and leading to severe health complications.
Types of Childhood Leukemia
The two primary forms of leukemia seen in children include:
- Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL): This type represents about 75% of childhood leukemia cases. It impacts lymphocytes, a kind of white blood cell, and tends to progress quickly.
- Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML): Accounting for around 20% of childhood leukemia instances, AML affects myeloid cells, which produce red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. Like ALL, it progresses rapidly.
Common Symptoms
- Frequent Infections: A reduced number of healthy white blood cells increases susceptibility to infections.
- Unexplained Fevers: Persistent fevers not associated with other illnesses.
- Fatigue and Weakness: Anemia from low red blood cell counts leads to tiredness and weakness.
- Pale Skin: Pallor due to anemia.
- Easy Bruising or Bleeding: Low platelet counts result in easy bruising, frequent nosebleeds, or bleeding gums.
- Bone and Joint Pain: Accumulation of leukemia cells in the bone marrow can cause discomfort in bones and joints.
- Swollen Lymph Nodes: Painless enlargement of lymph nodes, especially in the neck, armpit, or groin.
- Abdominal Pain or Swelling: Accumulation of leukemia cells in the liver and spleen can cause discomfort or swelling.
- Loss of Appetite and Weight Loss: Decreased appetite leading to weight loss.
Potential Causes
- Genetic Factors: Certain inherited conditions, such as Down syndrome, increases risk. Other genetic disorders like Li-Fraumeni syndrome and neurofibromatosis can also elevate risk.
- Environmental Factors:
- Radiation Exposure: High radiation levels, such as from cancer treatments, can heighten risk.
- Chemical Exposure: Prolonged exposure to chemicals like benzene, found in tobacco smoke and industrial waste, may increase risk.
- Parental Exposure: Parental exposure to harmful chemicals or radiation prior to conception or during pregnancy might be linked to a heightened risk.
- Viral Infections: Some studies suggest that certain viruses, like Epstein-Barr virus, could increase leukemia risk, though more research is needed for clarity.
Diagnosis Process
Diagnosing leukemia in children generally involves a comprehensive approach, including:
- Initial Assessment: If leukemia is suspected, doctors will gather a thorough medical history and conduct a physical examination to look for signs of infection, anemia, or abnormal bleeding.
- Blood Tests: Key tests include:
- Complete Blood Count (CBC): Measures red and white blood cell levels, with abnormal findings indicating leukemia.
- Peripheral Blood Smear: A microscope examination of blood samples to identify abnormal cells.
- Bone Marrow Aspiration and Biopsy: If blood tests indicate, a sample of bone marrow is typically taken from the hip and analyzed for leukemia cells.
- Lumbar Puncture: This procedure may check for leukemia cells in the cerebrospinal fluid surrounding the brain and spinal cord.
- Imaging Studies: X-rays, ultrasounds, or CT scans may help assess the extent of the disease.
Treatment Options
- Chemotherapy: The primary treatment for most childhood leukemias, utilizing powerful medications to destroy cancer cells or halt their growth.
- Radiation Therapy: This method employs high-energy rays to eliminate cancer cells, often used in conjunction with chemotherapy if the cancer has spread.
- Targeted Therapy: Medications specifically designed to target cancer cells while sparing healthy ones, interfering with molecules essential for cancer cell survival.
- Immunotherapy: This treatment helps the immune system identify and attack cancer cells, with CAR-T cell therapy being one promising method for specific childhood leukemias.
- Stem Cell Transplant: Also known as bone marrow transplant, this procedure replaces diseased bone marrow with healthy stem cells, typically for high-risk or relapsed leukemia.
Conclusion
Although a leukemia diagnosis in children is challenging, advances in research and treatment have significantly improved outcomes for many young patients. For comprehensive leukemia treatment in India, Fortis Memorial Reaserch Institute, Gurugram is recognized as a leading multi-disciplinary oncology hospital known for its expertise and advanced care. If you have concerns about pediatric leukemia, consult Dr. Vikas Dua, one of the best pediatric hematologists in India, for expert guidance and support.
