WHAT CAUSES ALL?
All cells in the body contain genetic material called chromosomes that help cells to reproduce. Normal cells in the body grow and then die in a controlled way. Leukemia occurs when a chromosome is damaged, resulting in immature, rapidly dividing cells that do not die. In ALL, we do not know what causes chromosomes to become damaged. Certain risk factors increase a person’s chance of developing ALL. However, just having a risk factor does not mean a person will get cancer, and some people who develop cancer do not have any risk factors. Possible risk factors for ALL include exposure to radiation before birth certain genetic disorders, such as Down syndrome previous chemotherapy treatment or taking other medications that weaken the immune system being born with certain immune-system problems, such as Fanconi anemia.
WHAT ARE THE SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF LEUKEMIA?
The signs and symptoms of leukemia are noticed when leukemia cells are growing out of control and overcrowding occurs in the bone marrow. Symptoms may be different depending on the type of cell the marrow is (or is not) able to produce. Common symptoms seen in children include fever or unexplained infections easy bruising, bleeding, and/or petechiae (flat, pinpoint-sized red or purple dots on the skin) In children with darker skin, bruising and/or petechiae can be difficult to see. They are best seen in areas with less melanin, such as the abdomen, buttocks, and inside of the mouth. fatigue and general weakness bone or joint pain (limping or refusal to walk) that may come and go lumps (caused by swollen lymph nodes) often found in the neck, underarms, stomach, or groin swollen belly because of an enlarged liver or spleen decreased appetite/weight loss.
4
Association of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology Nurses (APHON)
Powered by FlippingBook