Leukaemia is a haematological malignancy or blood cancer. It develops in the bone marrow, the soft inner part of bones where new blood cells are made. The cure rate of leukaemia in children is much higher than that of adults, although some side-effects of treatment last till adulthood.
Leukaemia is cancer of the bone marrow, the spongy tissue in the centre of our bones that makes the three kinds of blood cells – red blood cell, white blood cell and platelet. One of the different types of white blood cell is called lymphocyte. The most common form of cancer in children is Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia. Basically, when one lymphocyte goes bad, it starts to multiply fast, attacks the bone marrow and eventually takes over it.
The exact cause of leukaemia in children is not really known. However, some suspected causes are as below:
Acute leukaemia in a child is a disease which is prevalent mostly in the age group of 2 – 5 years. We may also find some chronic types of the disease in children, which are rare. Some of the common types of leukaemia in children are as below.
Some of the symptoms of leukaemia are described below.
Red blood cells carry oxygen to all parts of the body. Therefore, shortage of these can result in:
Platelets help stop bleeding. Therefore a shortage of platelets can cause –
After thoroughly analysing the child’s medical history and any family history of cancer, all the symptoms and how long the child has had them, if a doctor suspects leukaemia, he will ask for certain tests to be done. The results of these tests will help doctors to determine the type of leukaemia.
The blood samples are usually taken from a vein in the arm but in younger children and infants, they may be taken from other veins such as in the feet or scalp or from a “finger stick”.
These two tests are done at the same time by obtaining bone marrow samples taken from the back of Pelvic (Hip) bones.A Bone marrow biopsy follows the aspiration. Here a small part of the marrow and the bone is removed using a slightly larger needle. The needle is pushed down into the bone for extraction.
This test also known as the Spinal tap is used to look for leukaemia cells in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). The test is done in the lower part of the back of the spinal cord.
The treatment depends on the type and stage of cancer. Some forms of cancer grow slowly and do not require immediate treatment. However, treatment for leukaemia usually consists of one or more of the following.
Drugs are used to kill the affected cells. The type of affliction determines the use of a single drug or a combination of different drugs.
High energy radiation is used to damage leukaemia cells and inhibit there growth
It is a procedure to replace diseased bone marrow with healthy bone marrow, either your own or from a donor.
A new form of cell therapy that uses specially altered T-cells to specifically target cancer cells. The treatment seeks to sharpen and strengthen the immune system’s inherent cancer-fighting powers through modified versions of the patient’s own immune system T-Cells.
Surgery has a limited role in treatments the cancer cells are not clustered together in a single removable tumour but spread widely throughout the body.
It is a treatment that works by prompting the body’s own immune system to identify and destroy cancerous cells.
Through these tests, doctors will watch for possible signs of leukaemia as well as short and long-term effects of the treatment.
It is very important to keep a record of your child’s medical care and treatment so that in case the child changes the doctor, it will help the latter to understand his case and the type of treatment he has been on.
Some survivors may have a hard time recovering and adjusting to life after cancer. Anxiety and emotional stress after the treatment can have an adverse effect on a young person’s growth. It can get in the way of relationships, school, work and other aspects of life. However, with support from family, friends, doctors and support groups, a cancer survivor can go a long way in the years to come.
Most childhood leukaemia has a has very high remission rates with some up to 90%, which means there is no trace of cancer cells in the body. However, the survival rate differs from one type to the other. The survival rate of children with Acute Lymphoblastic leukaemia is much higher than that of Acute Myeloid Leukaemia.
Children suffering from leukaemia not only face health issues, but also psychological and social issues. Therefore, such children should be given a lot of empathy, love and care so that they can lead a normal life like the others.
Also Read: Cerebral Palsy in Children