Overview
Leukemia is a type of cancer that affects the blood and bone marrow, the spongy tissue inside bones where blood cells are made. Leukemia in children is a disease that starts in the cells that develop into white blood cells, which are an important part of the immune system. White blood cells help the body fight infections and other diseases. When a child has leukemia, the bone marrow makes too many white blood cells and not enough red blood cells and platelets. This can lead to a range of health problems and make it difficult for the child’s body to fight off infections.
Symptoms
The symptoms of leukemia in children can be difficult to spot at first, as they may be similar to the symptoms of other, less serious illnesses. Some common symptoms of leukemia in children include:
- Fatigue or weakness.
- Pain or swelling in the bones or joints.
- Anemia, or a low count of red blood cells.
- Bruising easily or having frequent nosebleeds.
- Rapid breathing or heart rate.
- Loss of appetite.
- Weight loss.
- Lumps or swollen glands in the neck, underarm, stomach or groin.
- Fever or infection that keeps coming back.
- Pale skin.
It’s important to remember that not all children with leukemia will have these symptoms, and some children may have symptoms that are not on this list. If you are concerned about your child’s health, it is always best to consult a doctor.