Leukaemia
What is Leukaemia
Leukaemia is the medical name for cancer of the blood. It is a very serious illness in which the marrow inside the body's bones produces a large number of abnormal bone marrow cells. The remaining healthy cells have less space in which to develop, which means that less red blood cells and platelets are produced. There are many types of leukaemia, as many as the different types of marrow cell affected.
Leukaemia is classified as either chronic or acute, depending on the type of disease and how long it takes to develop. Chronic leukaemia progresses more slowly. Acute leukaemia attacks immature bone marrow cells and has a much more sudden onset. It is the rarer form of leukaemia, but unfortunately it tends to be the form of leukaemia most common in children.
Leukaemia is also classified according to the particular type of white cell that is proliferating abnormally. The commonest type of leukaemia in childhood is caused by abnormal proliferation of cells derived from lymphocytes or from lymphoblasts and thus the condition is called acute lymphoblastic leukaemia.
What are the Symptoms of Leukaemia
Leukaemia usually requires blood tests to confirm diagnosis, but it does manifest symptoms, very suddenly in the case of acute leukaemia. The things to look out for include:
- Fatigue.
- Repeated niggling infections, such as chest infections or sore throats.
- Pale skin, due to anaemia.
- Unexplained or easy bruising.
- Bleeding gums.
- Bone tenderness.
- Weight loss.
- Night sweats and fevers.
- Headache.
- Enlarged lymph nodes.
Obviously, many of these symptoms can be found in children who are not suffering from leukaemia. However, if your child exhibits more than one of these symptoms, especially if they appear suddenly, you should consult your GP. It is most likely that your child has a minor illness. If your doctor is concerned, arrangements will be made for blood tests to check for leukaemia.
What are the Causes of Leukaemia
The causes of leukaemia are not known, but the seriousness of the disease has led many cancer research specialists to focus their efforts on this area. It is hoped that future genetic research may cast some light on the origins of this disease.
Traditional Medical Treatments for Leukaemia
Leukaemia is a difficult disease to treat, as it involves a disruption of the body's ability to produce new blood cells. Usually, patients will be referred to a specialist clinic located in one of the major Irish teaching hospitals.
Treatment usually takes the form of chemotherapy, which can be given as pills or an injection. A catheter (tube) is usually inserted into a large vein near the heart under anaesthesia and the anti-cancer drugs are given through it.
Each course of chemotherapy lasts a number of days and the side-effects may cause discomfort. Chemotherapy attacks a proportion of healthy bone marrow cells as well as the cancerous ones, and can deplete the patient's strength and ability to fight infection. Therefore, strong antibiotics may also be given to fight infections.
Your child may have to stay in hospital to recover from chemotherapy treatment, and may receive blood transfusions to make up for blood lost through bleeding. Transfusions can also be given through the catheter described above.
Chemotherapy may cause vomiting and nausea, and can lead to hair loss. None of these symptoms are permanent, though it may be a few months before hair will grow back. Baldness caused by chemotherapy can lead to a loss of self-esteem in many children, especially girls. However, you will find that hospital staff are extremely supportive of both you and your child during this difficult time.
Radiotherapy may also be given in many cases.
In certain cases, the leukaemia may warrant a bone marrow transplant.
Complementaty/Alternative Treatments for Leukaemia
You are encouraged to eat foods that provide optimal nutritional benefit. A registered dietitian consults with you to develop an individualized meal plan. Selections include fish, poultry, legumes, low-fat yogurt, fruits and vegetables, whole grains and cereals, and other healthy food choices.
A physician will recommend daily dosages of various nutrients, including:
- Beta carotene
- Selenium
- Vitamin C
- Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA)
- Vitamin E
- Others as appropriate
The following list details the various forms of manual therapies you may receive from rehabilitation services:
- Swedish Massage
- Reflexology
- Lymphedema Massage
- Myofascial Release