Leukemia is a prominent condition among the types of cancer seen in childhood. It is characterized by excessive production of blood cells and abnormal changes in the maturation process. This disease usually begins in the bone marrow and tends to spread. Leukemia, which accounts for the majority of cancer cases in children, can be successfully managed with early diagnosis and effective treatment.
Leukemia Types and Symptoms
The most common types of leukemia in children are acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) and acute myeloid leukemia (AML). ALL usually affects children between the ages of 2 and 5, but it can also occur in other age groups. AML usually occurs in older children and teenagers.
Symptoms of leukemia can often be confused with other diseases. Fatigue, paleness, weight loss, fever, bone pain, and a tendency to bruise are common symptoms of this disease. These symptoms are perceived as deviations from a child’s normal growth and development process. Therefore, parents should take any suspicious circumstances seriously and consult a healthcare professional.
Diagnosis and Treatment
It is usually diagnosed using blood tests, bone marrow biopsy and imaging. These tests help identify abnormal blood cells and changes in the bone marrow. Early diagnosis is an important factor in the treatment of the disease.
Leukemia treatment usually includes methods such as chemotherapy, radiotherapy and stem cell transplantation. Chemotherapy aims to kill cancer cells, while radiotherapy targets cancer cells using radiation. Stem cell transplantation involves introducing stem cells that have been replaced with the patient’s healthy cells into the body.
Preventing the Progression of the Disease and Raising Awareness
Leukemia is a type of cancer that can be successfully treated with early diagnosis and effective treatment. Parents should check their child’s health regularly and report any symptoms to a healthcare professional immediately. Raising awareness about cancer in society is important to expand early diagnosis and treatment opportunities.
Leukemia is one of the most common types of cancer in childhood. However, it can be successfully managed with modern medicine and treatment methods. Parents should be sensitive to their children’s health and should not neglect regular health checks. They should immediately report any suspicious circumstances to a specialist.