In Leukemia, the high numbers of immature white blood cells grow rapidly and ‘cramp’ the bone marrow space. This leads to reduced production of platelets, normal white blood cells and red blood cells.

• Low platelets result in easy spontaneous bleeds such as bruises, petechiae (pinprick bleeds), and bleeding from mucosa such as nose and gum bleeds.
• The white blood cells, which are involved in fighting pathogens, may be suppressed or dysfunctional. This could result in increased episodes of fever and infections.
• Deficiency in the red blood cell leads to anemia. The child will appear pale, become abnormally tired and short of breath.

Other symptoms and signs:

• Weakness and fatigue.
• Loss of appetite and/or weight.
• Swollen or bleeding gums.
• Swelling of the abdomen due to enlarged liver and spleen.
• Bone Pains. Can cause a limp.
• Joint Pains.
• Swelling of Lymph nodes. If the nodes in the neck and chest are involved, it could cause obstruction to the blood flow and airway, leading to swelling of the face and noisy breathing.

Updated:: 13/09/2021 []