Childhood Leukemia and How We Can Help

Leukemia is the most common cancer in children and teens in the US, with the majority of children developing acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL). If your child has been diagnosed with leukemia, our Grayslake, IL, pediatricians understand just how important it is to have a doctor apart from cancer specialists that can be there for you every step of the way. A pediatrician is an important part of your family, as they’ve been caring for your child for years, and they will be an important part of your child’s medical care.

Is your child at risk for leukemia? 

While leukemia can develop in any child, certain risk factors can increase the chances that your child may develop leukemia. The most common risk factors include genetic disorders such as Down’s Syndrome, taking immune-suppressing drugs, a sibling who has leukemia, and children who’ve already undergone chemotherapy or radiation for other cancers in the past.

In these at-risk populations, our pediatricians here in Grayslake, IL, may recommend having your child come in for more regular checkups and monitoring.

Warning Signs of Leukemia 

Leukemia is a type of cancer affecting the white blood cells, which are crucial for fighting infections. Early detection is key, and many pediatricians find leukemia after performing a simple blood test. They may also recommend blood tests if your child is showing any of the symptoms of leukemia, such as:

• Headache
• Fatigue
• Dizziness
• Shortness of breath
• Persistent and recurring infections
• Bone pain
• Abdominal swelling
• Weight loss
• Loss of appetite
• Swollen lymph nodes
• Bleeding gums or frequent nosebleeds
• Bruising easily
  
  

We understand that many of the symptoms of leukemia are also symptoms of other health conditions, so it’s important not to be worried if your child starts showing these symptoms. Simply call our office for further evaluation and testing. In many cases, minor health problems are to blame for these symptoms and not leukemia.

Turning to a Pediatrician 

What makes a pediatrician an important part of your child’s health care is that we are often the first physician that your child sees when you or they have concerns. We can also provide testing to rule out certain problems.

Of course, if blood tests do come back abnormal or if we are truly concerned about leukemia, we can also refer your child to a qualified and renowned pediatric oncologist here in the area that can provide further and more specialized treatment including radiation and chemotherapy.

Whether your child is displaying symptoms of leukemia or you simply need to schedule a checkup with one of our pediatricians here in Grayslake, IL, call Mundelein Pediatrics today at (847) 548-7337 to schedule an appointment for your little one. Together we can handle any and all childhood diseases and illnesses.