Childhood Leukemia Symptoms

Leukemia is a type of cancer that causes an overproduction of abnormal white blood cells in the bone marrow. Advanced leukemia affects the production of other blood cells, including platelets and red blood cells. This effect on blood cells is responsible for the most common childhood leukemia symptoms, such as anemia and easy bruising. In acute lymphocytic leukemia and acute myelogenous leukemia, which account for nearly all cases of childhood leukemia, symptoms develop over a period of just days or weeks. Approximately one-fourth of cancers during childhood are leukemias, but the cure rate for this cancer is very high. Early identification of symptoms and proper treatment results in a good outcome.

Significance

• More than 2,200 American children are affected by leukemia each year, and approximately 98 percent of leukemias in children are acute.

Identification

• Childhood leukemia symptoms include anemia, recurrent infections, joint and bone pain, swollen lymph nodes, abdominal pain, bruising and difficulty breathing.

Types

• In acute leukemia, symptoms may develop rapidly and become severe quickly, whereas chronic leukemia may cause little or no symptoms for months or years.

Considerations

• When leukemia is caused by prior cancer treatment, genetic conditions or the use of immunosuppressive medications, regular medical checkups can detect very early symptoms of leukemia.

Advanced Symptoms

• In some children, leukemia may spread to the brain, causing headaches, problems with balance and coordination, seizures or abnormal vision.