What is Childhood Leukemia?
by jmmillerEven the mention of leukemia sends a chill down a parent’s spine. While we all hope and pray that our child never has to deal with such a disease, unfortunately some children do develop leukemia. Understanding what the disease is all about is the first step in accepting it, and in helping your child to deal with it.
Leukemia refers to a cancer of the leukocytes, or white blood cells. The production of large numbers of white blood cells in the bone marrow occurs when a child contracts leukemia. Unlike other white cells that actually protect the body, these are defective and flood the bloodstream.
As the disease progresses, the extra white cells inhibit the growth and function of other types of blood cells. When the red blood cells decrease, the result is anemia. This is why some children with leukemia bleed and bruise quite easily. White cell abnormalities also put the child at risk for infections.
There are two types of childhood leukemia, classified by the speed at which the disease develops. Acute leukemia develops quickly, and accounts for 98% of all childhood leukemia. Chronic leukemia develops slowly. Together, the two types of leukemia will affect over two thousand American children annually.
Early diagnosis and treatment is important. See your Doctor if your child has an unexplained limp or sore joints; poor appetite; swollen lymph nodes; or an unusually tired feeling.
Related: