The Leukemias
Leukemia is a malignant disorder of the blood forming organs. In the pediatric age group, childhood leukemia is an acute disorder characterized by a proliferation of blast cells in the bone marrow which eventually pour out into the circulation and infiltrate various organs and systems disrupting and or disturbing their functions.
To date, there is no single and specific etiologic agent of leukemia, however, some are being identified to be associated with these conditions:
1. Ionizing radiation
2. Carcinogenic chemicals
3. Oncogenic viruses
4. Chromosomal aberrations
5. Defective immune system
Leukemias are classified into acute and chronic type and this classification depends on the degree of immaturity of the cells . Congenital leukemias are those diagnosed within the first 4 weeks of life.
Clinically, patients may present with:
– anemia
– enlargement of the spleen
– petechiae
– mucosal bleeding
– bone tenderness
– adenopathies
– liver enlargement
– fever
– bone pains
– headaches
– blurring of visions
Generally, it is best to consult a physician if there is unexplained fever, body malaise, pallor, weight loss and other related symptoms so that thorough history taking and physical examination can be done.