YOUR CHILD’S HEALTH CARE/BLOOD DISORDERS: LEUKAEMIA

While this is a very uncommon condition (affecting approximately 4 in 100,000 children under the age of 14 years), it is the commonest cancer in childhood. In years gone by, leukaemia was invariably fatal, but now well over half the children afflicted with this condition can expect to be cured.

Cause

The cause of leukaemia is still unknown, despite many years of intensive research all over the world.

Clinical features

The child may present with features of anaemia (pallor, fatigue), easy bruising, pain in the back or legs, or enlarged but painless lymph glands in his neck or other parts of his body. He may be generally unwell, with poor appetite and overall lethargy.

Investigations

A blood test is performed initially, and this establishes the diagnosis, but then a bone marrow aspiration always follows to confirm it. Often other tests are necessary, including X-rays and CT scans.

Treatment

The child is admitted to hospital immediately — this is invariably to one of the major paediatric teaching hospitals. Treatment is highly specialised and the exact regime depends on the type of leukaemia. It includes drugs to kill the leukaemia cells (chemotherapy), as well as other drugs and blood transfusions. Close follow-up is important and takes place according to a carefully designed protocol or plan.

When to see your doctor

Even if your child has any of the symptoms described above, it is unlikely that he has leukaemia. There are many more common and less serious causes of all of these symptoms. Nevertheless, you should consult your doctor if you are worried. He may order a simple blood test to put your mind at ease.

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