Leukemia is a cancer of the blood or bone marrow. Bone marrow produces blood cells. Leukemia can happen when there is a problem with the production of blood cells. It usually affects the leukocytes, or white blood cells. Leukemia is the most common type of pediatric cancer, about one in every four cases.
signs and symptoms
- Bone and joint pain
- Fatigue
- Weakness
- Fever
- Weight loss
types of leukemia
Leukemia is the most prevalent type of cancer in children. The most common types of leukemia are:
- Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL)
- Most common, 75% of all pediatric leukemia cases
- Acute myelogenous leukemia (AML)
- Second most common type of pediatric leukemia
- Hybrid leukemia
- Combination of ALL and AML
- Chronic lymphocytic leukemia
diagnosis and treatment
- Blood test to determine complete blood count (number and type of blood cells)
- White blood cells, red blood cells and platelets numbers are not normal in leukemia patients
- One to all cell types can be abnormal
- Type of leukemia diagnosis
- Bone marrow aspirate and biopsy
- Leukemia is treated by chemotherapy and in some cases radiation or bone marrow transplant may be needed.
Dayton Children's Difference
Your child is treated with latest and most effective cancer treatment protocols in the world and is cared for by an experienced team of cancer professionals in our new state-of-the-art cancer center.
Dayton Children's is a member of the Children's Oncology Group, a multi-center alliance with other leading pediatric cancer institutions, including Children's Hospital of Philadelphia and Boston Children's Hospital. The Children's Oncology Group conducts studies designed to improve our understanding of childhood cancer, its treatment and its cure. This membership ensures your child receives access to the best protocols and clinical trials. Dayton Children's pediatric cancer patient outcomes are consistent with the superior results of other top pediatric cancer institutions.
Our team of cancer experts realize a cancer diagnosis is physically and emotionally draining for your child and your family. Therefore we design your child's care plan to be as effective and comfortable as possible. On your child's first visit, you and your child will meet the cancer team; doctor, nurses, and the nurse navigator. Your child will be cared for by the same doctor and cancer team throughout their treatment, all the way to survivorship. Our nurse navigator is readily available for your child's and your family's unique care needs, including scheduling appointments, preparations for hospital stays, tips for homecare, explanations of treatment protocols, and much more.
questions or concerns?
If you have additional questions, we're here for you. Fill out the form below and a member of our cancer team will get back to you.
