Is Acute Myeloid Leukemia Seen in Children?
Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a type of cancer that affects the bone marrow and blood cells. It is most common in adults, but it can also affect children. AML is a life-threatening condition, but it can be treated with chemotherapy and other treatments.
Bone Marrow
Bone marrow is a soft, spongy tissue that is found in the center of bones. It is responsible for making red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. In AML, the bone marrow produces abnormal white blood cells that don’t work properly. This can lead to anemia, infections, and other health problems.
Symptoms
Common symptoms of AML in children include fatigue, easy bruising, frequent infections, and pale skin. Other symptoms may include pain in the bones or joints, shortness of breath, and swollen lymph nodes.
Diagnosis
In order to diagnose AML, a doctor will typically do a physical exam and order blood tests. They may also take a sample of bone marrow to look for abnormal cells. Other tests, such as imaging scans, may also be done.
Treatment
Treatment for AML in children typically involves chemotherapy and other medications. In some cases, a bone marrow transplant may be necessary. Other treatments, such as radiation therapy and immunotherapy, may also be used.
Outlook
With treatment, many children with AML can achieve remission and have a good long-term outlook. However, the outlook can vary depending on the type of AML, how far the cancer has spread, and other factors.