Leukemia, a type of blood cancer, can affect both children and adults. Early detection is crucial for better treatment. Parents and caregivers must be aware of the symptoms and signs.
This article will discuss the symptoms of childhood leukemia, both common and less-common.
Common symptoms of childhood leukemia
There are a number of causes for each symptom listed below. However, when more than two symptoms occur together it is cause for concern. Common symptoms include:
- Extreme Fatigue and Weakness in Children with Leukemia: Many children with leukemia experience extreme fatigue and weakness. It may be difficult for them to engage in the activities that they used to enjoy or keep up with peers.
- Frequent Infections: Leukemia patients are more prone to infection and illness due to their weakened immune systems. Children with leukemia are more susceptible to colds, the flu or other infections than others. They also recover slower.
- Fever A persistent or recurring high fever without apparent cause is another sign of leukemia. These fevers may not be treated by over-the-counter medicines.
- Unexplained Bleeding or Bruising: Children who have leukemia can experience unaccounted bleeding or bruising in unexpected places such as on the stomach or back. Other symptoms include bleeding without apparent cause, such as bleeding gums or nosebleeds.
- Joint and Bone Pain: Leukemia can affect the bone marrow and cause joint and bone pain. This pain may be mistaken for growing pains, or any other common childhood complaint.
- Swollen Nodes: Large lymph nodes in the neck, groin or underarms can be a sign of leukemia. These lumps are often painless, and they look like soft, rubbery bumps.
Childhood Leukemia symptoms that are less common
Some other symptoms of childhood leukemia may be less common than the ones listed above, but are still important to note:
- Unexplained Weight Loss or Appetite Loss – Some children with leukemia can experience unaccountable weight loss or appetite loss. Some children with leukemia may not eat at all or have a lack of interest in food.
- Pale Skin: Leukemia may cause anemia by impairing the body’s production of red blood cells. Pale skin and shortness of breathe are among the symptoms.
- Swollen abdominal: Leukemia-causing cells can accumulate within the liver and spleen causing them to swell. It can lead to an enlarged stomach and discomfort.
- Shortness or difficulty breathing:Children who have leukemia can feel short of breathe, especially when exercising.
- Skin rashes, or petechiae. Petechiae, small red pinpricks on the skin, can be caused by a low platelet count. This can lead to rashes or other changes in the skin.
When should you seek medical attention?
You should take your child to the doctor immediately if they exhibit any of these symptoms. For more information, contact the Moffitt Cancer Center experts.
Early detection of leukemia is crucial for successful treatment, even though these symptoms may be caused by another disease.
The conclusion of the article is:
Early detection and treatment of leukemia in children are critical. While some of these symptoms can be caused by other childhood illnesses, it is important to monitor your child’s condition and seek medical advice if there are any concerns.
Early intervention can improve the treatment outcome. For more information about leukemia, and other cancers, visit moffitt.org.
