Leukemia is a malignancy that begins in the bone marrow and then spreads to the blood cells. Some bones include a soft, spongy center, bone marrow, essential for producing blood cells. When a child develops leukemia, their bone marrow generates an abnormal overabundance of blood cells, resulting in the disease.
As a result of the crowded-out blood cells not doing their typical role, the child may have symptoms such as exhaustion, fever, bleeding, and bruising, as well as infections that are difficult to cure.
Due to the way their bodies work, childhood leukemia is discovered when children are young. It is diagnosed by a doctor’s visit and blood tests. A pediatric oncologist specializing in treating childhood cancers performs these operations.
A complete blood count is a blood test determining the quantity of red blood cells and platelets (which help blood clotting).
Another potential indicator is the number of white blood cells in the blood. An elevated white blood cell count may suggest the existence of leukemia.
A laboratory will then examine this. It can detect the type of leukemia in the bone marrow and the presence of cancer cells.
The doctor may prescribe a bone marrow aspiration or biopsy if the blood tests yield abnormal results. These tests are designed to detect malignant cells in the bone marrow, a fluid found in the center of several bones, including the hip bone. A needle retrieves a small amount of bone marrow from the filling or solid. A laboratory will then examine this. It can detect the type of leukemia in the bone marrow and the presence of cancer cells.
An ultrasound (sonogram) can look at internal organs, bones, soft tissues, and specific bodily parts (such as the brain or abdomen).
Karyotype testing is a type of blood test that detects cellular DNA abnormalities. Doctors can use this information to diagnose leukemia and predict how it will respond to therapy.
When traditional karyotyping fails to uncover faulty genes, Hassenfeld Children’s Hospital offers more advanced diagnostic methods, such as gene sequencing and fluorescence in situ hybridization.
Different types of leukemia respond differently to treatment. Stem cell transplant, radiation therapy, or chemotherapy may be included in the treatment protocol.
In addition to genetics and environmental variables, radiation exposure and certain infections can increase the risk of developing leukemia.
Bone marrow that has been wounded or destroyed can be replaced with healthy stem cells via a transplant. The treatment strategy may include supportive care such as dietary adjustments, physical therapy, and emotional and mental health counseling.
Although the cause of leukemia is unknown, variables such as a person’s environment and heredity are thought to enhance the risk.
In addition to genetics and environmental variables, radiation exposure and certain infections can increase the risk of developing leukemia.
Some people’s employment or medications enhance their risk of acquiring leukemia. Leukemia is more common in certain groups, such as those who work in nuclear power plants or have been exposed to asbestos.
