Leukemia

Our pediatric oncology and hematology experts are experienced in treating all forms of childhood leukemia. At Mary Bridge Children’s, your child receives personalized care backed by a comprehensive team of support specialists, all in a family-friendly setting that’s close to home.

What is leukemia?

Leukemia is a cancer of the blood that begins in the bone marrow, where the body makes new blood cells. Leukemia accounts for one in three cancers in children and young adults, making it the most common cancer in this age group.

Types of leukemia we treat in children include:

• Acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL). This type of leukemia starts in lymphocytes, a type of infection-fighting white blood cell. ALL makes up roughly three in four cases of childhood leukemia.
• Acute myeloid leukemia (AML). This leukemia accounts for most of the remaining childhood leukemias not represented by ALL. AML starts in the cells that become white blood cells other than lymphocytes, oxygen-carrying red blood cells or platelets that are essential for blood clotting.
• Chronic leukemias. Our specialists have expertise in treating chronic leukemias, even though they are rare in children. Chronic leukemias tend to grow slower than acute forms of the disease, but they can also be more difficult to cure.

Symptoms of leukemia

When leukemia cells accumulate in bone marrow, they can prevent normal production of red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets. Low blood cell counts cause symptoms such as:

• Anemia. Low levels of oxygen-carrying red blood cells can lead to fatigue, feeling weak or dizzy, headaches, pale skin and shortness of breath.
• Chronic infections. Not having enough infection-fighting white blood cells often leads to repeat cases of infection, or infections that don’t go away.
• Fever. Insufficient white blood cells can cause a fever, which is the main sign of infection.

Leukemia cells can also travel to other areas of the body, causing symptoms that may include:

• Bone pain. Leukemia cells that accumulate in bones and joints can cause pain in these parts of the body.
• Abdominal swelling. Leukemia cells that build up in the spleen or liver can cause swelling in the abdomen or belly.
• Appetite or weight loss. Spleen or liver enlargement can cause children to feel full quickly, leading them to eat less and potentially lose weight.
• Swollen lymph nodes. Lumps in the neck, armpit or groin can be signs of leukemia.

Symptoms of leukemia are similar to symptoms of less serious problems, but it’s important to see a doctor if you notice these signs in your child.

Diagnosing leukemia

Doctors use several tests and imaging procedures to help diagnose leukemia, including:

• Blood tests. Abnormal numbers of white blood cells, red blood cells and platelets can be a sign of leukemia in children.
• Bone marrow tests. To confirm a leukemia diagnosis, doctors may need to sample the bone marrow, or spongy interior of the bone. Specialists use a needle to take these samples, providing topical anesthetic or sedation so your child is comfortable.
• Spinal tap. Also called a lumbar puncture, this procedure allows doctors to check cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) surrounding the brain and spinal column for leukemia cells. Our specialists will use a numbing cream and sedation so the procedure is not painful for your child.
• Imaging tests. Physicians sometimes use imaging tests such as X-rays, computerized tomography (CT) scans and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to see if leukemia cells have spread to other parts of the body.

We understand that testing can be stressful for children. Our sedation services team and child life specialists are here to ensure your child’s comfort. Learn more about imaging and diagnosis at Mary Bridge Children’s.

Leukemia treatment

Pediatric oncology and hematology specialists treat childhood leukemia with chemotherapy, which uses powerful drugs to kill cancer cells. Chemotherapy for patients with ALL requires a spinal tap. Our sedation services team provides anesthesia for a pain-free procedure, with most children home by lunchtime.

If the leukemia involves the central nervous system (brain and spinal cord), your child’s doctor may also recommend radiation therapy. This treatment uses high-energy radiation beams to shrink and eliminate tumors.

Mary Bridge Children’s is part of MultiCare, and our children’s hospital shares a building with the MultiCare Regional Cancer Center. MultiCare’s radiation oncologists are experienced in treating children, using the most advanced equipment available to protect your child’s growing body.