Basically, leukemia is an abnormal condition in the body because it produces excess white blood cells (leucocytes) in the bloodstream and spinal cord (cancer.ca). Therefore, these abnormal conditions will disrupt the production of other blood cells and disrupt the flow of blood into the vital organs.
Simply as we already know that blood has three types of cells: white blood cells that fight infection, red blood cells that carry oxygen, and platelets that help blood clot. Everyday, billions of new blood cells are made in the bone marrow - mostly red blood cells. But while experiencing leukemia, the body makes white blood cells more than usual. So, the sufferer automatically will experience a drastic decrease in the body.
In addition to genetic and infection factors that increase the risk of leukemia, weak immune system in children is the main cause of leukemia. According to Prof. Mel Greaves of the Institute of Cancer Research (May, 2018), is in an environment that is too clean and germ-free, it could be one cause of leukemia in childhood.
Other factors that can be a major cause for children with cancer: chromosomal abnormalities, exposure to pollution, radiation, and passive smoking.
Prof. Mel Greaves explained then, "This study strongly suggests that (leukemia) has a clear biological cause, and it is triggered by various infections in children whose immune system tendencies have not really been excellent, especially in children who do not interact with infants or other children, and have a "clean" childhood during the first year of life."
But actually, Leukemia in children has a greater recovery opportunity than adults. This is explained by a pediatrician at Dharmais Cancer Hospital, Jakarta, Mururul Aisyi.
"The level of resistance of children to cancer at the age of 0-5 years reaches 80-85%, which is much higher than the chance of cure of cancer in adults only 60%, because the severity of cancer cells in children is lower than adults."
image: TerasID
What are the symptoms of leukemia? The symptoms of leukemia include (healthline):
- Excessive sweating, especially at night (called “night sweats”)
- Fatigue and weakness that don’t go away with rest
- Unintentional weight loss
- Bone pain and tenderness
- Painless, swollen lymph nodes (especially in the neck and armpits)
- Enlargement of the liver or spleen
- Red spots on the skin, called petechiae
- Bleeding easily and bruising easily
- Fever or chills
- Frequent infections
Leukemia can be suspected if the child has certain risk factors or about the symptoms. Diagnosis of the doctor will start with a complete history and physical examination, but leukemia can not be fully diagnosed with a physical examination. Instead, doctors will use blood and biopsy tests.
The doctor may find chronic leukemia in a routine blood test before symptoms begin. How to diagnose it? Take the following diagnostic exam:
- Physical examination. The doctor will look for physical signs of leukemia, such as pale skin due to anemia, swollen lymph nodes, and enlarged liver and spleen.
- Blood test. By looking at blood samples, doctors can determine whether they have abnormal levels of red or white blood cells or platelets - which may indicate leukemia.
- Bone marrow test. Doctors can recommend a procedure to remove bone marrow samples from the hip bone. Bone marrow is taken using a long and thin needle. Samples are sent to the laboratory to look for leukemia cells. Special tests of leukemia cells may reveal certain characteristics used to determine treatment options.
That way the child suffering from leukemia is advised to immediately get medical treatment from the hospital.
Source: Tribunnews, WebMD, Mayo Clinic (mayoclinic.org), Health Line (healthline.com)