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Leukemias are cancers that start in cells that would normally develop into different types of blood cells.Childhood leukemia is a type of childhood cancer

Childhood Leukemia: Frequently Asked Questions

Following are some Childhood Leukemia related FAQs:

 

Q. What is Childhood Leukemia?

Ans. Childhood leukemia is a type of cancer that affects the blood and bone marrow. It is the most common type of cancer in children, accounting for about one-third of all childhood cancers. Leukemia can occur in children of any age but is most common in those between the ages of three and seven. Four main types of childhood leukemia are classified according to how fast they grow and spread. The four types are acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), acute myeloid leukemia (AML), chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), and chronic myeloid leukemia (CML).

Q. What causes Childhood Leukemia?

Ans. The cause of childhood leukemia is not known, but there are several risk factors that have been identified. These include exposure to ionizing radiation, certain chemicals, and certain viruses. Children with certain genetic conditions, such as Down syndrome, are also at increased risk.

Childhood leukemia is a type of cancer that affects the blood and bone marrow. The most common type of childhood leukemia is acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). ALL is a cancer of the white blood cells. White blood cells are important for fighting infection. In children with ALL, the bone marrow makes too many immature white blood cells. These cells crowd out healthy blood cells, making it hard for the body to fight infection.

Other types of childhood leukemia include:

Acute myeloid leukemia (AML)

Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL)

Chronic myeloid leukemia (CML)

Childhood leukemia can be a very serious illness. It is the most common type of cancer in children and the leading cause of death from cancer in children. However, with treatment, many children with leukemia can be cured.

Q.How is Childhood Leukemia diagnosed?

Ans. Childhood leukemia is usually diagnosed after a child presents with symptoms that concern their parents or caregivers. These symptoms can include fatigue, easy bruising or bleeding, bone or joint pain, enlarged

Childhood leukemia is a cancer of the blood and bone marrow. It is the most common type of cancer in children and can be either acute (short-term) or chronic (long-term). The main types of childhood leukemia are acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) and acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Symptoms of childhood leukemia may include fatigue, fever, easy bruising or bleeding, bone pain, and more. Treatment for childhood leukemia may include chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and/or stem cell transplant.

What are the Different Types of Leukemia Affecting Children?

Ans. There are two main types of leukemia that can affect children: acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), and acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Each type is characterized by the type of cell that is affected and the rate at which the cells reproduce.

Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) is the most common type of childhood leukemia, accounting for about three-quarters of all cases. It affects the white blood cells known as lymphocytes, which help fight infection. In ALL, the bone marrow produces too many immature lymphocytes, crowding out healthy blood cells and causing a decrease in the body’s ability to fight infection.

Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) accounts for about one-fifth of all childhood leukemia cases. It affects the white blood cells known as myelocytes, which are important for fighting infection and for producing red blood cells. In AML, the bone marrow produces too many immature myelocytes, crowding out healthy blood cells and causing a decrease in the body’s ability to fight infection and produce red blood cells.

 Q. What is Acute Leukemia?

Ans. Acute leukemia is a cancer of the blood and bone marrow. It is a rapidly progressing disease that can be fatal if not treated immediately. The most common type of acute leukemia in children is acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). Other types of acute leukemia include acute myelogenous leukemia (AML) and acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL).

Q.What are the symptoms of Acute Leukemia?

Ans. The most common symptom of acute leukemia is fatigue. Other symptoms may include:

  • Fever
  • Pale skin
  • Shortness of breath
  • Easy bruising or bleeding
  • Petechiae (tiny red dots on the skin)
  • Excessive sweating
  • Bone or joint pain
  • Abdominal pain
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Loss of appetite

Q. How is Acute Leukemia diagnosed?

Ans. Acute leukemia is usually diagnosed with a blood test. A sample of blood is taken and examined under a microscope for abnormal cells. A bone marrow biopsy may also be done to confirm the diagnosis. This procedure removes a small amount of bone marrow from the hipbone and examines for cancer cells.

Acute leukemia is a cancer of the blood cells. The four main types of blood cells are red blood cells, white blood cells, platelets, and plasma cells. Leukemia can affect any of these cell types.

Acute leukemia is a rapidly progressing cancer that can be fatal if not treated immediately. It is the most common type of leukemia in children. Acute leukemia usually affects children under the age of 5.

Symptoms of acute leukemia may include:

  • Fatigue
  • Pale skin
  • Easy bruising or bleeding
  • Fever
  • Weight loss
  • Bone or joint pain
  • Shortness of breath

Q. What are the Main Types of Acute Leukemia?

Ans. There are four main types of acute leukemia, which are named according to the type of cell that is affected. The four main types are:

  • Lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL): This type of leukemia starts in the white blood cells called lymphocytes. It is the most common type of leukemia in children.
  • Myeloid leukemia (AML): This type of leukemia starts in the white blood cells called myelocytes. It is less common than ALL but more aggressive.
  • Monocytic leukemia (MCL): This type of leukemia starts in the white blood cells called monocytes. It is rare and very aggressive.
  • Granulocytic leukemia (GLL): This type of leukemia starts in the white blood cells called granulocytes. It is rare and very aggressive.

Q. What Age Group is Prone to ALL?

Ans. The vast majority of cases of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) occur in children younger than 15 years old. In fact, almost 1/3 of all childhood cancers are leukemia. The average age of diagnosis is 6 years old. However, cases have been reported in adults as well.

ALL is the most common type of childhood cancer, accounting for about 25% of all diagnoses. It is most often diagnosed in children between the ages of 2 and 5 but can occur in children of any age.

Q. What Age Group is Affected by AML?

Ans. There are several types of leukemia, each with different characteristics. The most common type of leukemia in children is acute myeloid leukemia (AML). AML can occur in children of any age but is most common in children between the ages of 2 and 5 years old.

Age group is one of the many factors that can contribute to a person’s risk of developing acute myeloid leukemia (AML). AML is most commonly diagnosed in adults over the age of 60, but it can also occur in younger adults and children. In fact, AML is the most common type of leukemia diagnosed in children under the age of 18.

Q. What is Gender Predilection for Acute Childhood Leukemia?

Ans. There is a slight predilection for acute childhood leukemia among males, with a male-to-female ratio of 1.2:1. This gender predilection is seen in most, but not all, subtypes of childhood leukemia. The reason for the gender predilection is unknown.

There are several possible explanations for gender predilection in acute childhood leukemia, with the most likely being a combination of biological and etiologic factors. The male-to-female ratio is consistently higher in developed countries compared to developing countries, which suggests that there may be an environmental or lifestyle factor at play. Additionally, boys are more likely to be diagnosed with leukemia at a younger age than girls, which could point to a difference in susceptibility. Some studies have also suggested that boys may be more likely to develop certain subtypes of leukemia, such as acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), which could account for the higher overall incidence in males.

Q. What is Mixed Phenotype Acute Leukaemias (MPALs)?

Ans. Mixed Phenotype Acute Leukaemias (MPALs) is a specific type of leukemia that is more aggressive and difficult to treat than other types. It is important to get an accurate diagnosis as soon as possible so that treatment can begin immediately.

Mixed Phenotype Acute Leukaemias (MPALs) is an abbreviation for myelodysplastic and myeloproliferative neoplasms. Mixed Phenotype Acute Leukaemias (MPALs) is a type of cancer that can affect the blood and bone marrow. Mixed Phenotype Acute Leukaemias (MPALs) can be difficult to diagnose because they often do not cause symptoms until the disease is in its advanced stages.

Q. What is Chronic Leukemia?

Ans. Chronic leukemia is a type of cancer that affects the blood and bone marrow. It is a chronic, or long-term, condition that can be difficult to treat. Symptoms of chronic leukemia may not appear for years, and the disease may progress slowly.

There are two main types of chronic leukemia: myelogenous leukemia (CML) and lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). CML is more common in adults, while CLL is more common in children. Treatment for chronic leukemia may include chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and/or stem cell transplantation.

Q. What Are Types of Chronic Leukemia?

Ans. There are four main types of chronic leukemia: B-cell, T-cell, natural killer cell, and myeloid. B-cell chronic leukemia is the most common type, accounting for about 80 percent of all cases. In this type of leukemia, the cancerous cells are immature B-cells. T-cell chronic leukemia is the second most common type, accounting for about 15 percent of all cases. In this type of leukemia, the cancerous cells are immature T-cells. Natural killer cell chronic leukemia is the third most common type, accounting for about 5 percent of all cases. In this type of leukemia, the cancerous cells are immature natural killer cells. Myeloid chronic leukemia is the fourth and least common type, accounting for less than 1 percent of all cases. In this type of leukemia, the cancerous cells are immature myeloid cells.

Q. Can childhood leukemia come back?

Ans. While it is possible for leukemia to come back after treatment, this is not common. The vast majority of children who are successfully treated for leukemia will not have a recurrence.

Yes, unfortunately, childhood leukemia can come back in some cases. However, treatment for leukemia has come a long way in recent years, and the chances of successful remission are much higher than they used to be. If your child is diagnosed with leukemia, be sure to talk to their doctor about the risks of relapse and the best ways to manage those risks.

Q. What is the most common type of childhood leukemia?

Ans. The most common type of childhood leukemia is acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). It accounts for about 75% of all childhood leukemia cases.

Q.Is childhood leukemia rare?

Ans. Childhood leukemia is the most common cancer in children, accounting for about one-third of all childhood cancers.

Q. History of childhood leukemia?

Ans. While the exact cause of childhood leukemia is unknown, researchers have identified certain risk factors that may play a role in its development. These include exposure to certain chemicals and radiation, as well as having a family history of the disease. Additionally, children with certain genetic disorders or who have undergone treatment for other cancers are also at an increased risk of developing leukemia.

Q. How long does childhood leukemia last?

Ans. There is no one answer to this question as the length of time that childhood leukemia lasts can vary depending on the individual child and their particular case. In general, however, most children with leukemia can expect to undergo treatment for at least several months, and sometimes even up to a few years. With advances in medical care, more and more children are surviving childhood leukemia and going on to lead healthy, happy lives.

Q. What causes childhood leukemia?

Ans. There is no certain answer to this question as the disease can develop for a variety of reasons. However, researchers believe that it may be caused by a combination of genetic and environmental factors. For instance, certain genetic mutations may make a child more susceptible to developing leukemia, while exposure to certain chemicals or viruses could trigger the disease.

Q. Is childhood leukemia curable?

Ans. Yes, childhood leukemia is curable. With treatment, the cure rate for childhood leukemia is now over 90%.

While there is no definitive answer to this question, as treatment options and survival rates continue to improve, many children with leukemia now have a good chance of long-term survival. With advances in medical care, childhood leukemia is now considered one of the most curable cancers.

Q. Is childhood leukemia genetic?

Ans. There is no definitive answer to this question as the research on the matter is ongoing and constantly evolving. However, it is generally accepted that childhood leukemia is not purely genetic – there are likely other environmental factors at play as well.

Q. Does childhood leukemia come back?

Ans. Once children have been diagnosed with leukemia, they will undergo treatment. The goal of treatment is to cure the child of the disease. However, in some cases, leukemia may come back after treatment. If this happens, it is important to seek medical care right away and start treatment again.

Q. Can childhood leukemia return in adulthood?

Ans. While it is possible for leukemia to return in adulthood, it is relatively rare. The vast majority of people who achieve remission as children remain in remission for the rest of their lives. However, it is important to remain vigilant and to follow up with your doctor regularly, as leukemia can sometimes come back without warning. If you have any concerns or symptoms that could potentially be indicative of leukemia, don’t hesitate to reach out to your doctor.

Q. When is childhood leukemia diagnosed?

Ans. Childhood leukemia is most often diagnosed between the ages of 3 and 5, but it can occur in children of any age.

Childhood leukemia is most often diagnosed during early childhood, with the majority of cases being diagnosed before the age of five. However, it can be diagnosed at any age.

Q. How long does childhood leukemia last?

Ans. There is no one answer to this question as each child’s experience with leukemia is unique. Some children may only require treatment for a few months, while others may need treatment for several years. The length of treatment will depend on the individual child’s response to treatment and the type of leukemia they have.

Q. How do you detect childhood leukemia?

Ans. There are a few different ways that doctors can detect childhood leukemia. One way is to do a blood test to look for abnormal levels of white blood cells. Another way is to do a bone marrow biopsy, which involves taking a small sample of bone marrow from the child and looking at it under a microscope.

Q. How does childhood leukemia start?

Ans. The cause of childhood leukemia is unknown. However, doctors believe that the disease begins when something goes wrong with the DNA of a baby’s developing cells. The abnormal cells continue to grow and divide, crowding out normal cells. This eventually leads to leukemia.

For further info. visit: Childhood Leukemia: Symptoms, Causes and Treatments

Dr Sajjan Rajpurohit

Best cancer specialist in Delhi, Dr. Sajjan Rajpurohit has been a practicing physician for the past 22 years and is currently working as Director in the Medical Oncology at BLK-Max Super Speciality Hospital, New Delhi. He is also a European certified as Best Medical Oncologist in Delhi, India, ESMO, Geneva. Dr. Sajjan Rajpurohit is acknowledged as a versatile veteran in treating various types of cancers. A qualified MBBS with MD in Medicine and DNB in Medical Oncology.