The Difference Between Childhood Leukemia & Leukemia

Differences between childhood leukemia and adult leukemia are subtle because the condition is generally the same in either case. It is a cancer of the blood and bone marrow.

Staging System

• According to the National Cancer Institute, the extent or spread of cancer in general is usually described in stages. But in childhood leukemia, "risk groups" are used instead of stages. There is no staging system for adult leukemia either. The disease is described as "untreated, in remission, or recurrent."

Screening Tests

• There are shared screening tests to determine the extent or spread of leukemia. However, some tests used for adults are not used on children. An ultrasound exam and CT scan are two diagnostic tests used on adults only.

Treatment Phases

• Childhood leukemia treatment is done in three phases: induction therapy, consolidation/intensification therapy, and maintenance therapy. Adult leukemia is done in two phases: remission induction therapy, and post-remission therapy.

Prognosis

• Certain factors affect the prognosis and treatment of leukemia. Two of the most common factors are whether the Philadelphia chromosome is present and whether the leukemia has spread to the brain and spinal cord. However, some factors affect children but not adults, and vice versa. For example, how quickly the leukemia cell count drops after initial treatment will determine a child's prognosis differently than an adult's.

Risk Factors

• According to the National Cancer Institute, anything that increases your risk of getting a disease is called a risk factor. Most risk factors of leukemia in children and adults are common, like being exposed to too much radiation. However, there are factors that they do not share. Being male and/or older than 70 are possible risk factors for adult leukemia but not for childhood leukemia.