Locations Main Campus: Chesterfield, MO 63017   |   Locations
314-434-1500 314-434-1500   |   Contact Us

Multimedia Encyclopedia

BACK
TO
TOP
 
E-mail Form
Email Results

 
 
Print-Friendly
Bookmarks
bookmarks-menu

Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) - children

Acute myelogenous leukemia - children; AML - children; Acute granulocytic leukemia - children; Acute myeloblastic leukemia - children; Acute non-lymphocytic leukemia (ANLL) - children

 

Acute myeloid leukemia is a cancer of the blood and bone marrow. Bone marrow is the soft tissue inside bones that helps form blood cells. Acute means the cancer develops quickly.

Both adults and children can get acute myeloid leukemia ( AML ). This article is about AML in children.

Causes

 

In children, AML is very rare.

AML involves cells in the bone marrow that usually become white blood cells. These leukemia cells build up in the bone marrow and blood, leaving no space for healthy red and white blood cells and platelets to form. Because there are not enough healthy cells to do their jobs, children with AML are more likely to have:

  • Anemia
  • Increased risk for bleeding and bruising
  • Infections

Most of the time, what causes AML is unknown. In children, some things can increase the risk of developing AML:

  • Exposure to alcohol or tobacco smoke before birth
  • A history of certain diseases, such as aplastic anemia
  • Certain genetic disorders, such as Down syndrome
  • Past treatment with some drugs used to treat cancer
  • Past treatment with radiation therapy

Having one or more risk factor does not mean your child will develop cancer. Most children who develop AML have no known risk factors.

 

Symptoms

 

Symptoms of AML include:

  • Bone or joint pain
  • Frequent infections
  • Easy bleeding or bruising
  • Feeling weak or tired
  • Fever with or without an infection
  • Night sweats
  • Painless lumps in the neck, armpits, stomach, groin, or other parts of the body that may be blue or purple
  • Pinpoint spots under the skin caused by bleeding
  • Shortness of breath
  • Loss of appetite and eating less food

 

Exams and Tests

 

The health care provider will perform the following exams and tests:

  • Physical exam and health history
  • Complete blood count (CBC) and other blood tests
  • Blood chemistry study
  • Chest x-ray
  • Biopsies of the bone marrow , tumor, or lymph node
  • A test to look for changes in the chromosomes in blood or bone marrow

Other tests may be done to determine the specific type of AML.

 

Treatment

 

Treatment for children with AML may include:

  • Anticancer drugs ( chemotherapy )
  • Radiation therapy
  • Certain types of targeted therapy
  • Blood transfusions may be given to help treat anemia

The provider may suggest a bone marrow transplant . A transplant is usually not done until the AML is in remission from initial chemotherapy. Remission means no signs of cancer can be found in an exam or with testing. A transplant can improve the chances of a cure and long-term survival for some children.

Your child's treatment team will explain the different options to you. You may want to take notes. Be sure to ask questions if you don't understand something.

 

Support Groups

 

Having a child with cancer can make you feel very alone. In a cancer support group, you can find people who are going through the same things you are. They can help you cope with your feelings. They can also help you find help or solutions for problems. Ask your health care team or staff at the cancer center to help you find a support group.

 

Outlook (Prognosis)

 

Cancer can come back at any time. But with AML, it is very unlikely to come back after being gone for 5 years.

 

Possible Complications

 

The leukemia cells can spread from the blood to other parts of the body, such as:

  • Brain
  • Spinal fluid
  • Skin
  • Gums

The cancer cells can also form a solid tumor in the body.

 

When to Contact a Medical Professional

 

Call for an appointment with your provider right away if your child develops any symptoms of AML.

Also, see your provider if your child has AML and a fever or other signs of infection that will not go away.

 

Prevention

 

Many childhood cancers can't be prevented. Most children who develop leukemia have no risk factors.

 

 

Open References

References

American Cancer Society. Childhood leukemia. Updated February 3, 2016. www.cancer.org/cancer/leukemiainchildren/detailedguide/childhood-leukemia-what-is-childhood-leukemia . Accessed August 3, 2016.

National Cancer Institute. PDQ Childhood Acute Myeloid Leukemia/Other Myeloid Malignancies Treatment. Updated July 28, 2016. National Cancer Institute. www.cancer.gov/types/leukemia/patient/child-aml-treatment-pdq . Accessed August 3, 2016.

Wei MC, Dahl GV, Weinstein HJ. Acute myeloid leukemia in children. In: Hoffman R, Benz EJ, Silberstein LE, Heslop HE, Weitz JI, Anastasi J, eds. Hematology: Basic Principles and Practice . 6th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Saunders; 2013:chap 61.

 

        A Closer Look

         

        Talking to your MD

         

          Self Care

           

            Tests for Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) - children

             
               

              Review Date: 8/1/2016

              Reviewed By: Adam S. Levy, MD, Division of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, The Children's Hospital at Montefiore, Bronx, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Isla Ogilvie, PhD, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.

              The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. © 1997- A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.

               
               
               

               

               

              A.D.A.M. content is best viewed in IE9 or above, Firefox and Google Chrome browser.



              Content is best viewed in IE9 or above, Firefox and Google Chrome browser.