Leukemia is a condition that affects one in every 25,000 children and occurs due to genetic defects in the blood cell nucleus, resulting in cell immortality and uncontrolled growth. However, leukemia is no longer as frightening as it once was. Thanks to early diagnosis and advancements in treatment, a full recovery is now possible.
Liv Hospital Pediatric Hematology-Oncology Specialist, Prof. Dr. Hilmi Apak, urges parents to watch for persistent symptoms, such as a fever lasting more than 10 days in their children. Prof. Dr. Apak emphasizes, "Weakness, fatigue, anemia, bleeding from the gums or nose, unexplained bruising on the skin without trauma, unusually heavy menstrual bleeding, and persistent fever should all be taken seriously. These symptoms may indicate leukemia and should not be ignored."
Body cannot defend itself
Leukemia often follows an infection and is recognized as a disease of the immune system. When white blood cells multiply uncontrollably, the body can no longer defend itself, and other blood components, like red blood cells and platelets, are affected. As leukemia advances, bone marrow produces fewer red blood cells, leading to anemia. Reduced bone marrow activity also lowers platelet numbers. Since platelets are vital for controlling bleeding, low levels result in symptoms such as frequent bleeding, easy bruising, and recurring fever.
Beware of the symptoms
Signs similar to those of leukemia can show up in children at any age, so families need to observe symptoms carefully but calmly. It is not unusual for a child to have a nosebleed or bruises on their legs. The key factor is how long these signs persist. For example, a child with the flu may experience nosebleeds for several days. If this bleeding does not resolve, it is wise to see a doctor. In the same way, if a child has a fever that lasts more than 10 days or notices ongoing bruising, medical attention should be sought. If there is anything unusual like an enlarged liver, swollen glands in the neck, armpits, or groin, increased sweating, or unexpected blood test findings, a hematologist should be consulted.
Diagnosis and treatment
When leukemia is suspected, doctors begin with a blood count and a microscopic exam. If these results are worrisome, a bone marrow sample is required for further analysis. Should the pathology lab confirm leukemia, additional bone marrow tests will help determine the specific type. Cortisone-based medications are central to treatment. If acute leukemia shows a good initial response to cortisone, the chance of a positive reaction to chemotherapy increases. Throughout care, regular physician monitoring is necessary, since immunity often drops and transfusions may be needed. Treatment may extend for two years and generally occurs on an outpatient basis. Close observation is maintained to watch for relapse. If relapse occurs, intensive chemotherapy is used, and bone marrow transplantation is considered if required.
Bone marrow transplantation not a primary preference
Bone marrow transplantation is usually not the initial option for leukemia treatment. The choice depends on the patient’s cell characteristics, treatment response, and risk of recurrence. Chemotherapy is preferred first, as it is often more successful than transplantation. If chemotherapy begins to fail, bone marrow transplantation becomes an option. In this process, very high doses of chemotherapy are used to eliminate the patient’s diseased bone marrow. Afterwards, healthy bone marrow from a suitable donor is infused into the patient under careful supervision. Transplants from relatives are often effective, though similar outcomes may be achieved with bone marrow from unrelated donors.
* Liv Hospital Editorial Board has contributed to the publication of this content .
* Contents of this page is for informational purposes only. Please consult your doctor for diagnosis and treatment. The content of this page does not include information on medicinal health care at Liv Hospital .