Childhood leukemia

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| Childhood leukemia | |
|---|---|
| File:Pediatric patients receiving chemotherapy.jpg | |
| Synonyms | N/A |
| Pronounce | N/A |
| Specialty | N/A |
| Symptoms | Fatigue (medical), pallor, bruising, bleeding, fever, bone pain, swollen lymph nodes |
| Complications | Infection, anemia, bleeding disorders |
| Onset | Typically in children under 15 years old |
| Duration | Varies, often chronic |
| Types | N/A |
| Causes | Genetic mutations, radiation exposure, chemical exposure |
| Risks | Down syndrome, Li-Fraumeni syndrome, Fanconi anemia, radiation therapy |
| Diagnosis | Complete blood count, bone marrow biopsy, cytogenetic analysis |
| Differential diagnosis | Infectious mononucleosis, aplastic anemia, juvenile idiopathic arthritis |
| Prevention | N/A |
| Treatment | Chemotherapy, radiation therapy, stem cell transplant |
| Medication | N/A |
| Prognosis | Varies, generally good with treatment |
| Frequency | Approximately 3,000 new cases per year in the United States |
| Deaths | N/A |
Childhood leukemia is a type of cancer that originates in the blood-forming cells of the bone marrow. It is the most common type of cancer in children, accounting for about 30% of all cancers diagnosed in children under the age of 15.
Types of Childhood Leukemia[edit]
There are several types of childhood leukemia, but the two most common are Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL) and Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML).
Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL)[edit]
ALL is the most common type of leukemia in children. It affects the lymphoid cells, which form lymphoid or lymphatic tissue. This tissue makes up the immune system.
Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML)[edit]
AML is less common in children than ALL. It affects the myeloid cells, which form red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets.
Symptoms[edit]
Symptoms of childhood leukemia can vary widely, but may include fatigue, fever, bruising or bleeding, frequent infections, and bone pain.
Diagnosis[edit]
Diagnosis of childhood leukemia typically involves a physical examination, blood tests, and a bone marrow biopsy. Further tests may be needed to determine the specific type of leukemia and to guide treatment.
Treatment[edit]
Treatment for childhood leukemia typically involves chemotherapy, and may also include radiation therapy, stem cell transplant, or targeted therapy. The choice of treatment depends on the type of leukemia, the child's age and overall health, and other factors.
Prognosis[edit]
The prognosis for children with leukemia has improved significantly in recent decades, thanks to advances in treatment. However, the disease can still be life-threatening, and long-term side effects of treatment can be significant.