The disease appears in various subtypes, the most common being acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) and acute myeloid leukemia (AML).
Following are the causes of childhood leukemia:
Like many cancers, childhood leukemia has a complex cause that often involves a mixture of hereditary susceptibility, environmental variables, and perhaps other unknown triggers. Although the exact cause of childhood leukemia often remains unknown, several factors have been associated with the development of the disease:
1. Hereditary predisposition: Some children are more likely to develop leukemia because of a chromosomal defect or genetic mutation that they inherit. These inherited genetic predispositions may cause abnormal formation of blood cells or impair immunological function, increasing a person’s risk of developing leukemia.
2. Environmental exposure: According to Dr. Ushma Singh, Director – Pediatric Oncology and Hematology, Andromeda Cancer Hospital, Sonipat, “There is a link between a higher risk of leukemia in childhood and exposure to specific environmental factors, including benzene (found in gasoline).” There is a connection. and industrial chemicals), some viruses, and ionizing radiation. Leukemia in children can also arise as a result of maternal smoking or prenatal exposure to pollutants in the environment.
3. Immune system dysfunction: Immune system dysfunction or abnormalities may play a role in the development of leukemia, by preventing the body from identifying and getting rid of abnormal cells. The risk of leukemia may be higher in children with specific immunological diseases or in those undergoing organ transplantation who require immunosuppressive treatment.
4. Exposure to radiation: Leukemia, especially childhood leukemia, has been linked to high levels of ionizing radiation exposure, such as those that occur during medical radiation therapy or nuclear accidents. Over time, radiation can damage DNA and interfere with normal cellular processes, eventually resulting in leukemia.
symptoms of leukemia
Leukemia in children usually presents with mild symptoms that appear gradually in the beginning. At first, children may show symptoms of common childhood illnesses such as fever, loss of appetite, and weight loss. It may be more difficult to diagnose in the early stages due to its late onset and similarity to benign conditions, which may lead to delays in necessary medical care.
As health conditions worsen, certain symptoms become more noticeable. These include fever that doesn’t go away, recurring serious illnesses, and persistent fatigue. Children may also have bone pain, which is related to the body’s inability to properly fight infection due to inefficient white blood cell production.
In addition to these main symptoms, a variety of secondary manifestations can be seen in children with leukemia. Low platelet counts can lead to easy bruising or bleeding, as well as bone and joint trouble, pale skin that may indicate anemia, unexplained weight loss, and enlarged organs or lymph nodes. .
prevention and detection
– Reduce exposure to environmental pollutants such as benzene and other industrial chemicals known carcinogens. This can be accomplished by reducing exposure to passive smoke, avoiding smoking, and ensuring that interior rooms have adequate ventilation.
-Keep yourself in good health by promoting a diet rich in fruits, vegetables and whole grains, all of which are linked to a lower risk of cancer. Maintaining a healthy weight and engaging in regular physical activity improves general health and may reduce the chance of leukemia.
– Reduce unnecessary radiation exposure: Reduce excessive radiation exposure from diagnostic imaging procedures, such as CT and X-ray, especially for younger patients. Make sure radiation-related medical procedures are acceptable and necessary, and talk to health care professionals about any potential risks.
– Protect against viral infections: Some viral infections, such as human T-cell leukemia virus (HTLV-1) and Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), are associated with an increased risk of leukemia. Practicing good hygiene, avoiding close contact with sick individuals, and staying up to date on vaccinations can help reduce the risk of viral infection.
Maximizing the chances of successful remission and enhancing treatment outcomes depends largely on early detection. The basis of diagnosing leukemia are diagnostic tests, which allow doctors to individualize treatment plans to meet the individual needs of each patient. These tests usually include a blood test to measure the number of blood cells and detect abnormal cells, a bone marrow test to determine whether leukemia cells are present in the bone marrow, and other imaging procedures to determine the degree of the disease. , such as CT and X-ray. Spreading. Our ability to improve long-term outcomes and cure rates for children with leukemia can be achieved by emphasizing early intervention and using technological and scientific advances in therapy.
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