Blood cancer, or leukemia, is the most common childhood cancer, according to the Lucile Packard Children's Hospital at Stanford. Leukemia is a cancer of early blood cells, commonly white blood cells, but can affect other types of cells. The abnormal white blood cells block the normal function of the blood, leading to complications and the formation of tumors. Blood cancer in kids is treatable, but is considered a life-threatening disease. A child diagnosed with blood cancer needs to remain under the care and observance of a medical doctor for effective treatment.
Types
Leukemia in children is classified into two different types: acute and chronic. Acute blood cancer develops quickly, while chronic leukemia forms very slowly. According to KidsHealth.org, most children with leukemia develop the acute version. Acute leukemia is further divided into either lymphocytic or myelogenous, depending on the type of white blood cells forming the cancer. Acute lymphocytic leukemia is the most common type of blood cancer among children, accounting for more than 60 percent of cases.
Causes
The primary cause of childhood leukemia is acquired genetic diseases, not inherited from the parents, but due to spontaneous abnormalities. The exact cause is still under discussion, but most doctors agree that a deficiency in the immune system may play a part. If a child has a compromised immune system from exposure to a certain chemical or viral exposure, the immune system can be damaged, resulting in leukemia, according to the Lucile Packard Children's Hospital at Stanford.
Symptoms
In most cases of pediatric leukemia, symptoms will develop suddenly and rapidly. The most common symptoms are anemia, bleeding, difficulty breathing, swollen lymph nodes, recurrent infections and joint pain. Anemia is a low blood cell count that can cause the child to appear pale and tired, and trigger heavy breathing. The child will bruise and bleed easier than other children. Some children develop severe pain in vital organs, reducing the appetite and desire to drink.
Diagnosis
Childhood leukemia is diagnosed in various ways. The most common is with the use of blood tests, X-rays and ultrasound to identify tumors and other signs. A diagnosis of pediatric leukemia can only be made by a medical doctor. Once properly diagnosed, treatment options will be discussed.
Treatment
A doctor will determine the best treatment for the child based on age, family history and medication tolerance. The most common treatments are chemotherapy, radiation therapy, bone marrow transplant, blood transfusions and antibiotics.
