The cells that are affected by leukemia grow in the bone marrow, the soft inner portion of some bones. This tissue contains a small number of blood stem cells and mature blood-forming tissues. A diagnosis of leukemia involves a thorough evaluation of the symptoms. Your doctor will then decide on the best course of treatment for your child.
Aside from the symptoms of acute leukemia, people with chronic leukemia may experience no noticeable symptoms at all. During the early stages of the disease, there may be no noticeable symptoms at all. Your doctor will perform a physical examination and order blood tests and imaging studies. In some cases, bone marrow biopsy may be necessary to diagnose leukemia. Despite the fact that these symptoms are not immediately apparent, they are enough to trigger a diagnosis of leukemia.
A lumbar puncture is an exam that will check the fluid surrounding the spinal cord and brain for any signs of leukemia. This procedure can also help determine whether you have leukemia or a different type of cancer. If the leukemia is already present, your doctor may perform a spinal cord MRI or blood test to diagnose the condition. However, if the condition is still present, your doctor may recommend an additional test to check the blood and marrow.
While leukemia cancer can present symptoms in the early stages, some patients may never notice the symptoms. A physician will conduct a physical exam, order blood tests, and a bone marrow biopsy. A biopsy of the bone marrow may be necessary to detect leukemia. Ultimately, the most important thing is to get diagnosed. And remember, the sooner you get the diagnosis, the better your chances of a full recovery.
Children with leukemia may be pale and appear tired. They may also have pale skin and breath rapidly. Tiny red dots on the skin may be present. These are tiny blood vessels that have bled. The white blood cells that are infected with leukemia do not fight infections, and they may be susceptible to repeat infections. Joint and bone pain is another symptom of leukemia. These are categorized into different groups and sub-types.
While some of the symptoms of leukemia may not be noticeable in the early stages of the disease, some children will show a marked change in their appearance. The spleen may swell and may appear pale. The spinal cord may become weaker, causing them to lose function. Other symptoms include bleeding in the limbs, swelling of the lower abdomen, and a prolonged erection.
A doctor will also examine the patient for any other unusual signs or symptoms. These tests may reveal atypical leukemia in the early stages, but will not be immediately visible unless the cancer has spread to other parts of the body. A physical examination is the first step in diagnosing leukemia. A doctor will order blood tests and imaging tests, and may even perform a bone marrow biopsy. These tests will allow your doctor to determine whether you have leukemia.
