Lymphoblastic leukemia symptoms are found in children. This is a cancer that is found in the bone marrow, lymph nodes and spleen. Although approximately 20 percent of all cancers can be attributed to lymphoblastic leukemia, it is the most common form of cancer in children. Lymphoblastic leukemia is often a sudden-onset illness and leads to anemia. As the bone marrow fails, symptoms of tiredness, low platelet counts, abnormal white cell blood counts and a tendency to bruise or bleed easily may occur.
Anemia
According to University of San Francisco Children's Hospital (UCSF), lymphoblastic leukemia affects the red blood cell count of children affected by this type of cancer. Normally, red blood cells carry oxygen throughout the circulatory system. The lymphocyte cells, which are created in the bone marrow, do not fully mature and as a result, are not able to fight off infection. Thus the child with lymphoblastic leukemia becomes extremely anemic.
Recurrent Infections
Lymphoblastic leukemia is a form of cancer that interferes with the body's ability to create and maintain healthy red blood cells counts, leading to anemia. According to UCSF, children with anemia are subject to recurrent infections of all types, including respiratory, bacterial and viral infections. Children with lymphoblastic leukemia symptoms who would normally be able to fight off a small cold are suddenly subject to becoming ill at the merest exposure to a friend or peer who is ill. Infections may include a fever, running nose or cough.
Pain
According to University of San Francisco, Children's Hospital, children with lymphoblastic leukemia symptoms often feel pain in their joints and bones because the bone marrow is overfull because it is overproducing blood cells that are not maturing. This can be one of the first symptoms that parents become aware of as children complain that their legs, hips and knees hurt. These symptoms are not often alleviated by using children's aspirin or Tylenol.
Problems Breathing
Children with lymphoblastic leukemia have problems breathing, according to UCSF. Lymphocyte cells gather around the thalamus, which is located in the chest. This can cause pressure in the chest and difficulty with inflating the lungs as the chest is pressed down by the mass. Other symptoms of this complication include wheezing and coughing and may need immediate medical intervention.
Abdominal Pain
One of the symptoms that children with lymphoblastic leukemia can experience is pain and pressure in their abdomen and kidneys. According to UCSF, this is because the spleen, which affects the immune system and stores blood, can be bloated with additional blood cells. Also, the kidneys and liver can become swollen as lymphocyte cells gather in those organs. Children may complain of stomach pain or that they feel "full" or bloated as their internal organs become swollen and painful.
Tags: with lymphoblastic, with lymphoblastic leukemia, blood cells, bone marrow, lymphoblastic leukemia, children with, symptoms often