Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) in children usually starts between the ages of 1 and 10, though it can occur at any age. It is much less common in children than in adults, accounting for only about 2-3% of all pediatric cancers.
AML is a fast-growing cancer of the blood and bone marrow that is caused by a mutation in immature blood cells. These cells, called myeloblasts, are unable to mature and instead build up in the bone marrow, crowding out the healthy cells. This leads to a decrease in red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets, which can lead to anemia, infections, and other problems.
Symptoms of AML in children can include fatigue, pale skin, easy bruising and bleeding, fever, frequent infections, bone or joint pain, and swollen lymph nodes. Diagnosis is made through a combination of physical exam, blood tests, bone marrow tests, and imaging studies. Treatment typically involves chemotherapy and sometimes a stem cell transplant.
Finally, it is important to note that AML is a serious and potentially life-threatening condition, and survival rates vary depending on the type and stage of the cancer. Fortunately, with early diagnosis and prompt treatment, the prognosis for children with AML has improved significantly in recent years.