Leukemia is derived from the combination of the Greek words “leukos” meaning “white” and “haima” meaning “blood” and used to name the disease. It is popularly known as blood cancer. When childhood cancers are evaluated in terms of incidence, leukemias take the first place. Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL) is more common in the majority of childhood leukemias, unlike adults. Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia is the most common childhood leukemia, accounting for 80% of childhood leukemias. The incidence of ALL increases especially between the ages of 2-5. ALL is more common in boys than girls.
YOU NEED TO BE CAREFUL DURING PREGNANCY
In a significant majority of children, there is no risk factor that can explain the development of leukemia. However, in some cases, hereditary and environmental risk factors can be detected. While the baby is in the womb, exposure to toxic substances such as alcohol, pesticides, benzene, certain foods, viral infections and radiation exposure can lead to leukemia. Various chromosomal abnormalities predispose to leukemia. For example, children with Down syndrome (trisomy 21) have an increased susceptibility to leukemia. Apart from genetic factors, environmental factors are also important in the development of leukemia. Environmental risk factors include ionizing radiation, some drugs, petroleum products, organic substances such as benzene, herbicides and pesticides.
ATTENTION TO THESE SYMPTOMS!
The symptoms of leukemia can be listed as follows:
- Fever or chills that does not go away despite medication
- Persistent fatigue, weakness
- Frequent or severe infections
- Lose weight
- swollen lymph nodes, enlarged liver or spleen
- easy bleeding or bruising
- Nose and gum bleeding, neck and armpit lymph nodes, swelling in the abdomen, swelling in the gums
- Small red spots (petechiae) on the skin
- Excessive sweating, especially at night
- Bone pain or tenderness
The initial symptoms of acute leukemia are short-lived and may vary. Patients often present with symptoms such as loss of appetite, weakness, fatigue, intermittent fever, bone pain and pallor. As the disease progresses, signs of bone marrow failure and bone pain become evident. Central nervous system findings such as enlarged lymph nodes, enlarged liver and spleen, enlarged testicles, respiratory distress, headache and vomiting develop. On physical examination, paleness, weakness, skin rash that does not fade with pressure, bruises on the skin, swelling in the lymph nodes, bone or joint pain are usually present. Respiratory distress may develop. In some of the patients, central nervous system findings can be observed in the diagnosis. In some patients, renal failure, bone involvement, and cardiac involvement may also occur.
BONE MARROW EXAMINATION IS VERY IMPORTANT
Findings of bone marrow failure (anemia, thrombocytopenia, leukopenia or leukocytosis) and peripheral blood findings suggest leukemia. The clinical picture of the patient and the results of laboratory tests should be carefully evaluated. When leukemia is suspected, first of all, bone marrow examination should be performed. Bone marrow aspiration is the most valuable method for diagnosing leukemia. AML is diagnosed when more than 30 percent of cancer cells called lymphoblasts are seen in the bone marrow and ALL and more than 20 percent of cancer cells called myeloblasts are seen.
BONE MARROW TRANSPLANT SAVE LIVES
Leukemia is a disease that must be treated. When symptoms of leukemia are seen in children, a doctor who specializes in blood diseases and oncology and a fully equipped hospital should be consulted without wasting time. In recent years, the quality and duration of life of leukemia patients has increased thanks to modern treatment methods. In particular, bone marrow transplantation is a life-saving treatment option for some patients. Children with bone marrow transplant can grow and develop in a healthy way like their peers.