Leukemia in children is defined by the formation of abnormal blood cells in the bone marrow. These abnormal blood cells cause the disease to proceed by pushing out healthy blood cells and causing the disease to spread.
Fever, exhaustion, bleeding, and bruises are some of the symptoms that the child could suffer. Additionally, the child might have infections that do not respond to treatment. This is because the blood cells that are crowded out cannot carry out their intended duties.
Due to how children’s bodies carry out their tasks, the early detection of leukemia in children is of the utmost importance. A medical examination and blood testing are the two methods that can be used to detect leukemia. A pediatric oncologist, a specialist in treating cancer in children, is the one person responsible for carrying out these treatments.
A complete blood count is used to ascertain the total number of blood cells present, including the quantity of platelets and red blood cells.
Another possible indicator is the number of white blood cells in the blood.
Another possible indicator is the number of white blood cells in the blood. This could be a sign of the condition. If there is an abnormally high concentration of white blood cells in the blood, this may be a symptom of leukemia developing.
If the findings of the blood tests are abnormal, the doctor may choose to perform a biopsy or an aspiration of the bone marrow to further diagnostic procedures. This procedure is carried out to ascertain whether or not the cancerous growth is within the bone marrow. The core of certain bones, such as the hip bone, contains a fluid known as bone marrow. This fluid is what gives the bone its structure. The marrow of the bone can be discovered inside the bone. A small amount of the fluid or solid bone marrow is removed from the patient using a needle during the procedure.
A laboratory receives stuff to conduct tests on it. This test can determine whether or not leukemia cells are present in the bone marrow and pinpoint the specific type of leukemia.
Another type of examination that can be performed to examine blood arteries, bone, soft tissue, and specific body regions, such as the abdomen or the head, is an ultrasound, also commonly referred to as a sonogram.
Many different treatment options are available for the various types of leukemia currently being treated.
A specialized blood test known as a karyotype can analyze the DNA of cells and determine whether or not any problems may be present. Medical professionals can use this information to their advantage when selecting the type of leukemia the patient has and how it will likely react to treatment.
Furthermore, Hassenfeld Children’s Hospital offers more modern diagnostic methods, such as fluorescence in situ hybridization and gene sequencing, which can identify genes that are not working correctly. Standard karyotyping is unable to do so.
Many different treatment options are available for the various types of leukemia currently being treated. Several possible treatments, including chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and stem cell transplantation, are presently under consideration.
Through stem cell transplantation, it is possible to restore bone marrow damaged or destroyed with stem cells already in good health. The treatment may include surgical operations or other procedures and supportive care, which may include dietary adjustments, physical therapy, and psychological support.
Additionally, there are a variety of health conditions and other illnesses that can dramatically increase the likelihood of acquiring leukemia.
Although there is no known cause for leukemia, it is believed that certain variables, such as a person’s environment and genetics, may increase the probability of having this particular type of cancer. Leukemia is a type of cancer that has not been identified.
Additionally, there are a variety of health conditions and other illnesses that can dramatically increase the likelihood of acquiring leukemia. These include cancer, infections, and other diseases. Both radiation exposure and certain forms of illnesses are included under this category.
Certain people are more likely to acquire leukemia because of the medications they take or the jobs they have. This is because of the combination of these two factors. People who work in nuclear power plants or who have been exposed to asbestos, for example, have a greater chance of developing leukemia than those who have not been exposed to asbestos.
