What is Childhood Leukemia?
Leukemia is a type of cancer of blood-forming cells in the bone marrow that transforms red blood cells into cancer cells. This is caused by the rapid reproduction rate of abnormal white blood cells that overcrowds the healthy red blood cells. Leukemia is one of the most common types of childhood cancers. Cleveland Clinic highlights that approximately 4,000 children in the U.S. are diagnosed each year.
Types of Leukemia:
The most common types of leukemias found in children are “acute” cancers (fast-growing), which include:
Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL)
- The most common type in children, with about 75% of childhood leukemia cancer cases reported to the Leukemia Research Foundation
- The body makes a large amount of lymphoblasts (immature white blood cells)
- ALL can affect children at any age, from infants through their teen,s but is most commonly found in children aged 2-5
Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML):
- The second most common type found in children makes up about 20% of childhood leukemia cases researched by Children’s Mercy
- Affects myeloid cells, which typically turn into normal white blood cells to fight infections, as well as red blood cells and platelets
- AML can occur at all ages, from infants and teenage years, but mainly affects babies under 2 and teens (15-19)
Signs and Symptoms:
- Fatigue and weakness
- Easy and more frequent bleeding and bruising
- Bone or joint pain
- Fever, chills, or heavy sweating
- Swollen lymph nodes (neck, groin, or armpit)
- Swollen organs in the liver or spleen, causing stomach pain or fullness
- Unexplained excessive weight loss and loss of appetite
Causes:
Leukemia can occur when there is a mutation (change) in the gene within a cell. These mutations normally affect white blood cells and prevent them from functioning correctly by fighting off infections. The abnormal number of cells continues to multiply in the bone marrow (where the body makes most of its blood cells). Over time, the cancer cells make their way into the child’s blood and lymph nodes from the bone marrow. Eventually, the cancer cells can metastasize to other parts of the body.
Diagnosis and Treatments:
A child's pediatrician can often suspect the presence of cancer based on symptoms and will refer the child to a pediatric oncologist, who they conduct several tests. These tests are used together to diagnose a certain type of cancer present in the individual and are crucial for treatments as well. These tests include:
- A physical exam
- Blood tests
- Bioposies
- Imaging scans
- Genetic tests
Children diagnosed with leukemia have several options for treatment plans to ensure a confident, safe, and effective recovery process. Health Care professionals discuss these treatments and try to ensure a solid and less painful plan for the child. These treatments include:
- Chemo therapy
- Radiation therapy
- Immunotherapy
- Clinical trials
Progress and Outlook:
Oftentimes, leukemia in children is curable with treatment and supportive care. This all depends on the type of leukemia and gene mutation. Some cancers are more likely to grow and come back. These are all concerns you can discuss with your healthcare provider. According to the Cleveland Clinic, for childhood leukemia, about 86 out of every 100 children diagnosed with leukemia survive after 5 years. This is called the five-year mark, which indicates that the cancer is unlikely to return. There are still risks of developing a different type of cancer, but it can be prevented by implementing daily follow-ups with a healthcare professional to monitor the child’s growth and development and long-term health.
Researchers continue to develop new and innovative treatment plans, ensuring that the outlook of children living with leukemia continues to improve every year. The outlook for childhood leukemia has greatly improved, with many children surviving and continuing to grow into healthy, thriving lives.
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