Children with leukemia often appear pale and tired. They may breathe more rapidly to compensate for the decreased capacity of their blood. They may also develop red dots on their skin from bleeding small blood vessels. Because the white cells that fight infections do not function well in leukemia, repeated infections may occur. A child with this illness may also experience pain in the joints and bone. This pain may be similar to arthritis. The doctor may order a bone scan or a CT scan to make a more accurate diagnosis.
A lumbar puncture, also known as a spinal tap, is a test that checks the brain and spinal cord for cancer. A small sample of the fluid surrounding the spinal cord and brain is collected to check for signs of leukemia. There are two types of leukemia, chronic and acute. In addition to a diagnosis, a person will need to undergo a physical examination and blood tests to determine the type of cancer.
The first symptom of leukemia is low white blood cell counts. In most cases, this symptom is a complication caused by an underlying condition. The disease can occur in children of any age and can be inherited. If a child develops the disease, they will have a lower white blood count. The patient will need chemotherapy and should be free of leukemia after chemotherapy. However, if the disease does not respond to chemotherapy, the child will likely undergo a complete diagnosis.
Chronic leukemia has no symptoms in the early stages. A doctor will perform a physical exam to determine the type of leukemia and perform imaging tests. The child’s doctors will also do a bone marrow biopsy. The symptoms of leukemia will vary based on the type of leukemia. If they are unsure of the type, they should schedule an appointment with a physician. They will perform a spinal tap to confirm the diagnosis.
Symptoms of leukemia can range from a swollen spleen to a tinnitus in the ears. Other symptoms can include a prolonged erection and changes in the patient’s mental health. If the disease has already reached the advanced stages, the patient should be monitored by a physician. A biopsy will reveal whether or not the disease is affecting the bone marrow.
In the early stages of the disease, there may be no noticeable symptoms. A physician will order blood tests and imaging tests. A bone marrow biopsy is used to diagnose leukemia. A doctor will also order a lumbar puncture, a procedure where a special needle is inserted into the lower back. The leukemia diagnosis will help determine whether or not the cancer is present in the body.
During the early stages of leukemia, the patient’s white blood cell count will be low. A patient with this disease should have a lower white blood cell count. The person’s physician will do a lumbar puncture if the condition is diagnosed. The blood is then examined using a special needle to look for signs of cancer. A physician will determine if there are any other signs of leukemia.
Other symptoms of leukemia include pain and swelling of organs. During a lumbar puncture, a specialist will insert a needle into the lower back. This procedure will test for the presence of cancer in the spinal cord and brain. A lumbar puncture can also be used to diagnose the disease. When a person’s symptoms of leukemia are present, they should see their doctor.