Leukemia is the most common cancer in children and teens, accounting for almost 1 out of 3 cancers. It is a cancer of the white blood cells, abnormal white blood cells for in the bone marrow. Then they quickly travel through the bloodstream and crowd out the healthy cells. Which then causes an increase in the body’s chances of getting infections and other problems. Doctors do not know exactly what causes most cases of childhood leukemia, but there are certain factors that may increase the chance of a child or teen getting this type of cancer. Keep in mind though that even children that do have a risk of getting leukemia doesn’t mean they actually will get it. Most children with leukemia don’t even have any known risk factors.
When it comes to diagnosing leukemia doctors will do a thorough medical history and preform a physical exam. Test are used to diagnose the leukemia as well as classify its type. These are some test that would most likely be carried out: A blood tests to measure the number of blood cells and see how they appear. Bone marrow aspiration and biopsy, usually taken from the pelvic bone, to confirm a diagnosis of leukemia. Lastly, lumbar puncture, or spinal tap, to check for spread of leukemia cell in the fluid that bathes the brain and spinal cord.
Generally when people speak of cancer it is a morbid subject, but I find that researching it gives me a greater understanding of how it works and what could possibly be done to help children in the future with this type of cancer.
When it comes to diagnosing leukemia doctors will do a thorough medical history and preform a physical exam. Test are used to diagnose the leukemia as well as classify its type. These are some test that would most likely be carried out: A blood tests to measure the number of blood cells and see how they appear. Bone marrow aspiration and biopsy, usually taken from the pelvic bone, to confirm a diagnosis of leukemia. Lastly, lumbar puncture, or spinal tap, to check for spread of leukemia cell in the fluid that bathes the brain and spinal cord.
Generally when people speak of cancer it is a morbid subject, but I find that researching it gives me a greater understanding of how it works and what could possibly be done to help children in the future with this type of cancer.