Subtitle Forum: Is AML Curable in Kids?
Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a cancer of the blood and bone marrow that is more common in adults than children. However, when children are diagnosed with AML, the prognosis is usually better than in adults. In most cases, AML in children is treatable and curable.
What is AML?
AML is a type of cancer that starts in the cells that develop into white blood cells in the bone marrow. It causes the bone marrow to produce too many immature white blood cells, called blasts, which crowd out the healthy blood cells and prevent them from working properly.
How is AML Diagnosed in Kids?
AML can be difficult to diagnose in children because the symptoms can be subtle and can be mistaken for other illnesses. To diagnose AML, doctors will usually do a physical exam and a series of tests, including blood tests, a bone marrow biopsy, and imaging tests.
How is AML Treated in Kids?
The treatment for AML in children is usually a combination of chemotherapy and/or radiation therapy. In some cases, a bone marrow transplant may be recommended. The goal of the treatment is to put the child into remission, which means there are no longer any signs of the disease in the body.
Is AML Curable in Kids?
In most cases, yes, AML is curable in children. The prognosis for a child with AML is generally much better than it is for an adult. With the right treatment, many children can be cured and go on to lead healthy, normal lives.