Subtitle: Can Children Get Acute Myeloid Leukemia?
Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a type of cancer that affects the blood and bone marrow of people of all ages, including children. While AML is rare in young children, it is the most common type of leukemia affecting children between the ages of 10 and 19.
Symptoms
The most common symptom of AML in children is fatigue. Children may also experience other symptoms such as fever, night sweats, pale skin, shortness of breath, weight loss, and easy bruising or bleeding.
Diagnosis
AML is diagnosed through a physical exam, blood tests, bone marrow tests, imaging tests, and genetic tests. A physical exam can help doctors look for signs of the disease, such as an enlarged spleen or liver. Blood tests can look for too many or too few white blood cells, red blood cells, and platelets. Doctors may also take a sample of the child’s bone marrow to look for leukemia cells. Imaging tests such as CT scans and MRIs can help doctors look for tumors or signs of cancer in the body. Genetic tests can help doctors identify mutations that may indicate the presence of leukemia.
Treatment
AML is typically treated with chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and stem cell transplants. Chemotherapy is the most common treatment for AML and is usually given in cycles. Radiation therapy may be used to treat tumors or tumors that have spread to the brain or spinal cord. Stem cell transplants may be used to replace the bone marrow if chemotherapy does not work or if the cancer returns.
Outlook
The outlook for children with AML varies depending on the type and stage of the disease. Treatment for AML is typically successful, and many children can go into remission after treatment. However, AML can be difficult to treat, and the disease can return after treatment. It is important to talk to your child’s doctor about the best treatment options for their individual case.