Leukemia is a type of blood cancer that starts in the bone marrow, which is the soft, spongy part of our bones where new blood cells are produced. Once leukaemia comes about, the abnormal white blood cells begin to multiply in large numbers. These are not normal cells, and they do not act like normal blood cells; they slowly occupy the space (normally occupied by normal blood cells).
Despite leukemia afflicting individuals of all ages, it is a prevalent cancer observed specially in children. In India, this diagnosis is observed in thousands of families every year. The promising aspect is that treatment drugs have developed to a new level, and many children do not need to be treated again.
What Are the Early Symptoms of Leukemia?
Leukemia does not necessarily manifest itself immediately. Most of the early symptoms may appear as symptoms of common ailments, and thus, when something does not feel right, parents should be keen enough to notice.
Common symptoms include:
- Chronic fatigue or renal fatigue.
- Recurring infections or fevers.
- Easy bruising and no or easy bruising.
- Excessively long bleeding, i.e., nosebleed.
- Bone or joint pain
- Swollen lymph nodes of the neck, groin or armpit.
- Loss of appetite or weight
- Night sweats
- Pale or dull-looking skin
- A swollen abdomen
The children may also be inactive and uninterested in playing or record of discomfort. A physician should be reached as soon as possible in case these signs do not go away.
What Is the Main Cause of Leukemia?
There is no single and clear explanation as to why leukemia starts. The only thing they are aware of is that it begins with the alteration of the DNA of the blood-forming cells. These transformations make the cells grow out of control.
There are some important aspects to keep in mind:
- It is not transmitted between individuals.
- It usually happens by chance.
- It is not as a result of anything a parent did or did not do.
Risk Factors for Leukemia
A risk factor is a factor that provides a high possibility of being infected with an illness, but this does not mean that a child will become infected with leukemia.
The potential risk factors are:
- A sibling with leukemia
- Exposure to high radiation
- Genetic issues like Down syndrome
- Past cancer therapy, such as radiation or chemotherapy.
- Contact with some toxic substances.
- A majority of children with leukaemia have no known risk factors.
Types of Leukemia in Children
The key ones observed in children’s cases are:
1. Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL)
The most prevalent leukaemia in childhood. It spreads fast yet reacts very well to treatment.
2. Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML)
Less frequent and generally more violent. Nevertheless, children have a high probability of recovery in modern treatment.
3. Chronic Leukemia
Uncommon in children and with slowness.
Doctoral Classification of Leukemia
Leukemia is not staged in the same manner as other types of cancer. Instead, doctors focus on:
- The kind of leukemia.
- Existence and count of cancer cells.
- Whether it has gotten to the brain or the spinal fluid.
How Leukemia Is Diagnosed
Doctors use a set of tests to be sure that there is leukemia:
- Blood Tests: Test abnormal numbers of blood cells.
- Bone marrow test: This is a test on a small sample of the bone that is used to detect leukemia cells.
- Scans: X-rays, CT scans or ultrasounds to identify evidence of spread.
- Spinal tap: This is to determine whether the cancer cells have spread to the spinal fluid.
These tests are useful in creating a comprehensive picture of the state of the child.
Treatment for Leukemia
The treatment of leukemia is much more successful now than it used to be several decades ago. When properly treated on time, over 80 per cent of children will be cured.
The primary intervention strategies are:
1. Chemotherapy
The primary treatment. Children tend to be administered various medicines between 6 months and 2 years.
2. Radiation Therapy
Applicable in certain situations to target specific areas.
3. Targeted Therapy
Newer medications which target exclusively cancer cells.
4. Bone Marrow Transplant
The need to replace the damaged bone marrow is met by having healthy donor cells.
The therapy is usually accompanied by complications, such as hair loss, nausea, or fatigue; however, physicians intend to ensure that the process does not become too complicated.
Possible Complications
Leukaemia or its treatment may lead to:
- Frequent infections
- Bleeding problems
- Anaemia
- Growth delays
- Organ-related side effects
- Learning difficulties later on
Constant monitoring ensures these issues are caught early.
Leukemia Survival Rate
- The survival rates have been enhanced over the years.
- All children survive with a rate of 85-90%.
- The other forms are different, but they keep on getting better as more research goes on.
- Early detection and specialist treatment are significant in the healing process.
Can Leukemia Be Prevented?
Leukemia is not guaranteed by any means to be prevented. Nevertheless, parents can decrease the unnecessary dangers by:
- Avoiding the smoking of cigarettes by children.
- Eliminating unnecessary exposure.
- Minimising exposure to toxic substances.
- Having frequent checkups.
Keep bearing in mind that most of them happen with no avertable reason.
Finding the Right Leukemia Specialist
The appointment of a qualified paediatric oncologist should be the immediate next step after the child has been diagnosed. Such physicians are experts in childhood cancers and know how to treat leukemia accurately.
Dr Nandini Choudhury Hazarika is a renowned paediatric oncologist in the area of Delhi NCR with a work experience of over 20 years and a bone marrow transplant record of more than 150 cases. The fact that she was trained in the best cancer hospitals and that she has in-depth knowledge make her one of the most credible people in the treatment of cancer in children.
She is available at:
- Madhukar Rainbow Children’s Hospital, Malviya Nagar, Delhi
- Dr Nandini Hazarika Clinic, Saket
A Message of Hope
Hearing the word “leukemia” can shake any family. Children with leukemia today have better opportunities of recovery than ever before. Early detection, early treatment and good emotional support is the key. Should the symptoms of your worries be evident on the side of your child, do not wait; call a specialist at:
- +91-96508 06846
- +91-99580 35218
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. Is there a complete cure to leukemia?
Yes. Majority of the children, especially those who have All are cured and live cancer free lives.
Q2. How long does treatment last?
The response and type determine the time of treatment plans which is 6 months to 2 years.
Q3. Is leukemia contagious?
No. Individuals do not transmit it to each other.
Q4. Will my child lose their hair?
It is the known side effect of chemotherapy that results in loss of hair and this is regrown after the treatment.
Q5. Will my child be able to attend school when undergoing treatment?
In the case of intensive stages, the children are generally kept at home to prevent infection. Later, a number of them go back to school with the permission of the doctor.