Child Leukemia Symptoms

Child leukemia is a scary diagnosis for any parent. Many times the symptoms of leukemia are visible to parents long before a doctor makes a diagnosis. These symptoms are not a sure indication of leukemia but should be checked out by a doctor and watched closely.

Fatigue

Children with leukemia become anemic. Anemia may make a child feel weak, tired, dizzy or short of breath.

Infections

Leukemia produces abnormal white blood cells. These abnormal blood cells do not fight infections and leave the child prone to more infections than normal. Antibiotics may not help fight the infections.

Easy Bleeding or Bruising

A lack of blood platelets can cause a child to easily bleed or bruise. Children may have frequent nose bleeds or excessive bleeding from small cuts.

Loss of Appetite

Leukemia cells back up in the liver and spleen, causing them to swell. The swelling of the liver and spleen can push against the stomach, causing a loss of appetite.

Swollen Lymph Nodes

Leukemia that has spread to the lymph nodes can cause them to swell. This swelling can be visible to parents and doctors, especially the lymph nodes located in the neck and underarms.

References

• How is Childhood Leukemia Diagnosed

Resources

• American Cancer Society