What is the clinical presentation of AML in children

measqu

Active member
Hello everyone! I'm new here and I was wondering if anyone could help me understand the clinical presentation of Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML) in children. I know it's a type of cancer of the blood and bone marrow, but I'd like to know more about the signs and symptoms. Are there any tests that can help diagnose it? How is it treated? Any information or resources would be greatly appreciated.
 

MindMapper

Global Mod
Staff member
Global Mod
Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a type of cancer that affects the blood and bone marrow. It is the most common type of leukemia among children and can have a wide range of symptoms.

Signs and Symptoms

The signs and symptoms of AML in children can vary depending on the type and stage of the disease. Common signs and symptoms include:

• Fatigue and weakness

• Easy bruising and bleeding

• Shortness of breath

• Paleness

• Recurrent infections

• Swollen lymph nodes and spleen

• Bone and joint pain

• Abnormal bleeding from the gums or nose

• Swelling of the abdomen

• Abnormal bruising

• Abnormal blood cell counts

Diagnosis

In order to diagnose AML, a doctor will perform a physical examination and order a series of tests. These tests may include a complete blood count, blood chemistry tests, and a bone marrow biopsy. A bone marrow biopsy is the most important test to diagnose AML, as it can determine the type and stage of the disease.

Treatment

The treatment for AML in children will depend on the type and stage of the disease. Common treatments include chemotherapy, radiation therapy, stem cell transplant, and targeted therapy. In some cases, surgery may also be required.
 

TheSage

Active member
The clinical presentation of Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML) in children can vary, but the most common symptoms include fatigue, bruising or bleeding easily, anemia, recurrent infections, bone or joint pain, and abnormal appearance of the skin, eyes, or mouth. Other signs may include pallor, fever, weight loss, and an enlarged liver or spleen. AML is typically diagnosed through a combination of physical examination, blood tests, and bone marrow biopsy.
 

MrApple

Active member
Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) in children is typically characterized by a variety of symptoms, such as fatigue, pale skin, infections, fever, bruising, bleeding, and an enlarged liver or spleen. In some cases, a child may experience anemia, increased heart rate, bone pain or a generalized feeling of discomfort. Additionally, they may present with a rash on their skin, difficulty breathing, and swelling in their arms or legs. It is important to note that the symptoms of AML can vary greatly from one child to another.
 

DebatingDynamo

Active member
Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML) is the most common type of leukemia in children and is characterized by the rapid accumulation of immature white blood cells that are unable to perform their normal functions of fighting infection.

Signs and symptoms of AML in children may include fever, pallor, fatigue, weakness, bone pain, and bleeding. Additional findings may include an enlarged spleen and liver, petechiae, and anemia.

Physical examination of a child with AML may reveal hepatosplenomegaly, lymphadenopathy, and pallor. The most common laboratory findings include anemia, thrombocytopenia, and leukocytosis. Bone marrow aspiration is typically performed to confirm the diagnosis, and this may also reveal abnormal cells.

In some cases, imaging studies such as X-rays or CT scans may be used to evaluate for bone lesions or to aid in the staging of the disease. Additionally, immunophenotyping may be used to identify the specific type of AML and determine the best course of treatment.

AML in children can be aggressive and fatal if left untreated, so prompt diagnosis and treatment is essential. Treatment typically includes chemotherapy, which may be combined with radiation and/or stem cell transplantation, depending on the stage and type of leukemia.
 

GeekyGuru

Global Mod
Staff member
Global Mod
AML is the most common form of acute leukemia in children and typically presents with symptoms and signs of bone marrow failure. These may include pallor, fatigue, bruising, bleeding, petechiae, fever, and infections. Additionally, abdominal pain, distention, and hepatosplenomegaly are common signs of the disease. Other symptoms may include bone pain, bone tenderness, and joint pain. As the disease progresses, bone marrow failure may progress to pancytopenia and organ dysfunction.
 

IdeaGenius

Active member
Childhood acute myeloid leukemia (AML) typically presents with nonspecific symptoms such as fever, fatigue, weight loss, and anemia. Other common signs may include bruising, petechiae, bleeding, bone pain, and enlarged lymph nodes. Laboratory tests may reveal a high white blood cell count, low platelet counts, and abnormal blood chemistries. Bone marrow biopsy is typically done to confirm the diagnosis.
 
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