Childhood leukemia
It is the most common type of cancer in children, affecting the blood cells and bone marrow, which affects the blood cells produced, which leads to the incidence of many symptoms, including: increased fatigue due to anemia, bleeding, and the emergence of some bruises that take time The increase of the incidence of immune infections, the weakness of immunity, loss of appetite, and thus loss of weight, in addition to the enlargement of the lymph nodes in the neck, and in this article we will inform you of the types, causes and treatment.
Types of leukemia in children
Acute leukemia
This type is exacerbated very quickly, which increases the risk of life, as it increases the production of immature white blood cells that enter the bloodstream, which does not function in the fight against germs, which increases the weakness of the body, and the following types:
- Lymphatic leukemia.
- Acute myeloid leukemia.
Chronic leukemia
This type is exacerbated slowly, its symptoms are delayed, and it is usually diagnosed through routine screening.
- Chronic lymphocytic leukemia.
- Chronic metastatic leukemia.
Diagnosis of leukemia in children
- Full blood test.
- Check liver function.
- Check kidney function.
- Check the level of uric acid.
- Examine a sample of blood under a microscope.
- Take a bone marrow sample to determine the type of leukemia.
- Examine the lumbar puncture to look for cancer cells in the spinal fluid.
- Examination of cellular genetics, to examine chromosomes in blood cells, bone marrow, or lymph nodes, to determine the presence of any genetic problems.
Treatment of leukemia in children
Lymphatic leukemia
It is possible to cure the treatment of acute leukemia in the treatment of three stages: the initial treatment, which lasts for five weeks, where the patient receives chemotherapy, so this is one of the most difficult stages of treatment, and then move to the second phase of treatment, namely: Intensive treatment, based on four doses of chemotherapy, then switching to enhanced chemotherapy-based oral therapy, as well as some intravenous drugs, bone marrow transplantation may occur in some cases.
Acute myeloid leukemia
Acute myeloid leukemia is treated by bone marrow transplantation or chemotherapy, and recovery can be achieved after bone marrow transplantation.
Chronic metastatic leukemia
Chronic metastatic leukemia is treated by bone marrow transplantation, or stem cells, in addition to chemotherapy. The treatment is aimed at eliminating blood cells that contain abnormal genes.
Chronic lymphocytic leukemia
Chronic lymphocytic leukemia is treated by radiotherapy, chemotherapy, and guided therapies, which affect cancer cells.