Cancer is one of the most dangerous health problems and is often feared by many people. In fact, cancer is the second largest contributor to mortality worldwide. Cancer is considered dangerous because, in general, this disease does not cause symptoms at the beginning of its development so that it is detected and treated only after it reaches an advanced stage.
Cancer can infect anyone, including children and adolescents. One of the most common cases in children and adolescents is leukemia or commonly known as blood cancer. Many people call it childhood leukemia or leukemia in children. Actually childhood leukemia is no different from leukemia that attacks adults. Childhood leukemia results from abnormalities in the production and function of blood cells, especially white blood cells. Leukocytes or white blood cells that are supposed to function as a supporting aspect of the immune system do not carry out their functions properly, but instead turn to attack the sufferer's body. This condition causes the sufferer's immune system to weaken and is very susceptible to various infections or other problems.
Common Symptoms and Signs of Cancer Include:
- Unexplained and ongoing weight loss
- Headache, often accompanied by vomiting in the morning
- Increased swelling or persistent pain (bones, joints, back, legs)
- Lumps or masses, especially: Abodement, neck, chest, flank, or armpit
- Excessive bruising, bleeding, or rash development
- Constant infection
- Whitish color behind the pupil
- Continued nausea or vomiting without nausea
- Constant fatigue or marked pallor
- Changes in eyes or vision, occurring suddenly and persistently
- Recurrent or persistent fever of unknown origin
The cause of childhood leukemia is not yet known with certainty. In general, children with childhood leukemia have no detectable risk factors that lead to this disease. However, there are several things that can be a cause or a risk factor for developing leukemia, such as:
Heredity and genetic mutations
Some children inherit DNA mutations from their parents that increase their risk of developing blood cancer. It is believed that a combination of certain inherited conditions increases the risk of developing leukemia, but most childhood leukemias do not have a strong correlation with inherited genetic mutations. In some cases, these genetic mutations occur earlier, even before birth. Meanwhile, in some rare special cases, genetic mutations that can occur as a result of exposure to radiation or cancer-causing chemicals, most often occur for no apparent reason.
A combination of genetic and environmental factors
The occurrence of childhood leukemia may be caused by a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Some children are born with a different set of genes than most children, in which the pairs of genes that are passed out of sync produce a recessive genetic trait. This makes it less effective at carrying out bodily functions in breaking down toxins and defending against exposure to harmful substances. If a child with a genetic factor like this is exposed to a cancer-triggering substance, it is very possible for childhood leu kemia to form .
In addition to the factors that cause childhood leukemia , there are several other things that need to be considered regarding leukemia in children. One of them is the early symptoms of childhood leukemia . In fact, in many cases, children with leukemia generally do not feel any special symptoms because these health problems often appear suddenly. However, there are some symptoms that might help you check your risk for childhood leukemia.
- Often experience anemia
Children who often experience symptoms of anemia may need further examination to the doctor. Anemia occurs when the body lacks red blood cells so that the blood's function of binding oxygen decreases. Low red blood cell production has an indirect correlation with high levels of white blood cells. Children with abnormal levels of red blood cells and white blood cells are at greater risk of developing anemia.
- Frequent infections
Children with leukemia do have high levels of white blood cells. However, most of the white blood cells that are owned do not function properly. This condition is caused by abnormal cells replacing healthy white blood cells. So that the main task of white blood cells, which play a role in helping protect the body and fight infection, does not function properly. Infections that occur repeatedly and continuously can indicate that the child does not have enough healthy white blood cells and that could be one of the characteristics of childhood leukemia.
- Easy bruising and bleeding
One of the most common features of childhood leukemia is easy bruising and bleeding. If a child under normal conditions experiences bruising and bleeding when hit hard and falls, a child with leukemia can experience bruising, severe nosebleeds, and gums that bleed when exposed to light impact or pressure.
- Often feel bone and joint pain
Children with leukemia symptoms are more likely to experience severe bone pain and aching pain in the joints. This can occur as a result of abnormal cells accumulating in the joints or near the surface of the bones.
- Often experience extreme fatigue
Symptoms of leukemia in children can be characterized by the child's lethargic condition and severe fatigue. This condition can occur when leukemia cells accumulate in the blood and cause platelets to thicken. Very thick platelets can cause circulation to slow down when passing through small vessels and of course affect performance and endurance.
- Having Fever
Fever for more than 2 weeks without a clear cause, accompanied by weight loss, night sweats, pale appearance, bleeding, masses, bone pain, lymphadenopathy.
- Frequent Headaches
Headaches usually appear in the morning or when waking a child from sleep. Has no history of migraine, and is generally accompanied by vomiting or neurologic deficit, occipital pain or increased pain on lying down.
After knowing the factors that cause leukemia in children and the symptoms that may appear when a child has leukemia, try to do a self-examination at home as a basic examination and carry out further examinations at the hospital with doctors and medical professionals to ensure the right medical conditions related to leukemia in children. child.
This article was written by dr. Ribka Cordelia Iskandar, Sp.A (Pediatrician at EMC Hospital Tangerang). Consult with Dr. Ribka on child health problems on: Monday - Friday at 08.00 - 14.00 WIB and Saturday at 08.0 - 18.00 WIB at EMC Tangerang Hospital. #LiveExcellently