Doctor's Notes on Childhood Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML)
Childhood acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a cancer of the blood and bone marrow. AML is also called acute myelogenous leukemia, acute myeloblastic leukemia, acute granulocytic leukemia, and acute nonlymphocytic leukemia. Acute cancers worsen quickly if not treated.
Symptoms of childhood AML may include:
- fever with or without an infection,
- night sweats,
- shortness of breath,
- weakness or tiredness,
- easy bruising or bleeding,
- petechiae (flat, pinpoint spots under the skin caused by bleeding),
- joint or bone pain,
- pain or feeling of fullness below the ribs,
- painless lumps that may be blue or purple (in the neck, underarm, stomach, groin, or other parts of the body),
- painless lumps that are around the eyes that may be blue-green, and
- an eczema-like skin rash.
These and other signs and symptoms may be caused by childhood AML, childhood chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML), juvenile myelomonocytic leukemia (JMML), or myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) or by other conditions.
What Is the Treatment for Childhood Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML)?
Treatment for childhood AML may involve:
- Chemotherapy, which is typically given in two phases known as induction and consolidation.
- Targeted therapy may be added to the chemotherapy regimen for certain individuals.
- For some children, a stem cell transplant is considered after remission is achieved by chemotherapy.
- Supportive care, including medications to manage pain and infections, is an important part of treatment.
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Bruises (Bruising)
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Chemotherapy
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Complete Blood Count (CBC) Test and Results
Complete blood count (CBC) is one of the most common blood tests. The complete blood count test provides valuable information about the quantity of the different types of cells in the blood. The major cells in the blood are red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. Complete blood count can assist in diagnosing anemia, certain cancers, kidney problems, and allergic reactions. -
Fever in Children
Fever is defined as a rectal temperature over 100.4 F or 38 C. Fever isn't life-threatening unless it is persistently high - greater than a 107 F rectal temperature. Fever is usually caused by an infection. Treatment focuses on controlling the temperature, preventing dehydration, and monitoring for serious illness. -
Late Effects of Childhood Cancer and Its Treatment
Late effects are health problems that occur months or years after treatment has ended. Late effects in childhood cancer survivors affect the body and mind. There are three important factors that affect the risk of late effects. The chance of having late effects increases over time. Regular follow-up care is very important for survivors of childhood cancer. Good health habits are also important for survivors of childhood cancer. -
Leukemia
Leukemia is a cancer of the blood-forming cells in the bone marrow. Fevers, night sweats, frequent infections, fatigue, weight loss, and easy bleeding or bruising are symptoms of leukemia. Leukemia is diagnosed with blood tests, biopsies, chest X-rays, and lumbar puncture. Treatment for leukemia may involve chemotherapy, targeted therapy, biological therapy, radiation, stem cell transplantation, surgery, or a combination of these. Many factors determine the prognosis for leukemia. -
Myelodysplastic or Myeloproliferative Neoplasms (Leukemia Types)
Myelodysplastic/myeloproliferative neoplasms are a group of diseases in which the bone marrow makes too many white blood cells. These are types of leukemia. Myelodysplastic/myeloproliferative neoplasms have features of both myelodysplastic syndromes and myeloproliferative neoplasms. -
Skin Rashes in Children
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REFERENCE:
Kasper, D.L., et al., eds. Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine, 19th Ed. United States: McGraw-Hill Education, 2015.