Early signs of blood cancer that you should be aware of

Leukemia, often known as blood cancer, is cancer of the body's blood-forming tissues, including the bone marrow and the lymphatic system. There are various forms of leukemia. The most common kind of leukemia is acute lymphocytic leukemia. Adults with acute myelogenous leukemia have an aggressive form of the disease. The most typical form of slow-growing leukemia is chronic lymphocytic leukemia. Most people affected with chronic myelogenous leukemia are adults. Leukemia usually involves the malfunctioning of white blood cells.

Dr. Rahul Sharma, Pediatric Haemato Oncologist & BMT Physician, Manipal Hospitals Jaipur says, “Your white blood cells are potent infection fighters — they normally grow and divide in an orderly way, as your body needs them. But in patients with leukemia, the bone marrow produces an excessive amount of abnormal white blood cells, which don't function properly. Acute leukemia, which develops over a short period of time, is the most common cancer seen in children.”
Leukemia symptoms vary, depending on the type of leukemia and can be easily overlooked and call for a high index of suspicion from the pediatrician treating the kid. Common leukemia signs and symptoms are

Frequent, or severe infections, not getting well despite taking antibiotics, feeling feverish often are all symptoms of blood cancer.

Persistent fatigue or weakness
Another sign of leukemia is feeling dizzy, weak and fatigued for no apparent reason.

If your lymph nodes are swollen, it should also be considered as a symptom.

Enlarged liver or spleen
Condition of an enlarged spleen or liver can be seen as a risk factor for Leukemia.

According to Dr. Sharma, “Symptoms like spontaneous bruising or tiny red spots in skin (petechiae) or nose bleeds can signal towards the onset of blood cancer.”

Unexplained weight loss
Losing too much weight abruptly can be a sign of sickness. Any major weight change should be immediately taken care of.

“If blood cancer is caught early and carefully managed by experienced and skilled pediatric oncologists, it is highly curable and the majority of kids (over 85%) respond well to treatment and go on to live long, healthy lives,” advises Dr. Sharma.

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