Leukemia is a cancer that targets the blood cells in the bodY. Abnormal cell growth of patients with leukemia begins in blood-forming tissues such as the bone marrow, that produces white blood cells, red blood cells, and platelets.

When a child has leukemia, the bone marrow will produce too many abnormal cells, most often white blood cells. The buildup of white blood cells will crowd out healthy blood cells so they cannot perform their normal functions.

According to Cedars-Sinai, the exact causes of leukemia in children are still not fully known. Researchers have identified gene mutations in bone marrow cells very early in life, some occuring even before birth, suggesting that in some cases leukemia may relate to genetic factors passed from parents to children.

Symptoms of Childhood Leukemia

As reported by WebMD and cancer.org, here are common symptoms of leukemia in children:

• Frequent fatigue and paleness
• Infections and fever
• Easy to bleed or bruise
• Weakness and myalgia
• Shortness of breath
• Coughing
• Joint or bone pain
• Lymph node swelling in the abdomen, face, arms, armpits, neck, groin
• Loss of appetite and marked weight loss
• Headaches with seizures, balance problems, and abnormal vision
• Vomiting
• Gum issues

Early detection and diagnosis

Because leukemia affects blood cells, it can be hard to detect at first. If your children have these symptoms and there are increased risks of leukemia from genetic factors or your family history, take your child to a doctor to have several tests, as noted by Cedars-Sinai and WebMD:

• Laboratory tests for blood and bone marrow samples — these tests help pinpoint the exact leukemia type, assess red blood cell counts, and track how the disease is developing.
• Biopsy — Bone marrow sits in the center of certain bones where blood cells are made. To evaluate leukemia, a small amount of marrow fluid may be removed (aspiration). The doctor may also take a core biopsy, usually from the hip bone, to check bone marrow for cancer cells.
• X-ray — uses a small amount of radiation to capture images of bones and other body tissues.
• Ultrasound — this test is used to view internal structures in the body.
• Lymph node biopsy — the doctor removes a small tissue sample from a lymph node for testing under a microscope.
• Lumbar puncture — a needle is inserted into the lower back (spinal canal) to draw a small amount of cerebrospinal fluid for testing.

Once test results are available, the doctor can identify the leukemia type and assign its classification. Although classifying childhood leukemia can be complex and time-consuming, an accurate diagnosis helps guide leukemia treatment that fits the child’s condition and needs.

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