About Pediatric Leukemia

What is pediatric leukemia? Are there different kinds? 

Pediatric leukemia is a cancer that shows up in blood cells. It often starts in bone marrow, the center part of bones, where blood cells are created in the body. The causes of leukemia in children aren’t understood yet, but once it starts, the body makes blood cells that are not typical and those reproduce quickly. Soon the unhealthy cells outnumber the healthy blood cells and cause different physical symptoms. Many of these symptoms are because the blood cannot carry out its normal jobs like protecting against infections and carrying oxygen.  

There are several different types of pediatric leukemias. Some are more common than others. WashU Medicine physicians at Siteman Kids at St. Louis Children’s Hospital are well-versed in treating even the rarest blood cancers.  

See types of pediatric leukemias
  • Acute lymphocytic (lymphoblastic) leukemia (ALL) 
  • Acute myelogenous (myeloid, myelocytic, non-lymphocytic) leukemia (AML) 
  • Chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML) 
  • Mixed phenotype acute leukemia (MPAL) 
  • Juvenile myelomonocytic leukemia (JMML) 

What causes pediatric leukemia?   

It is important to know pediatric leukemia can’t be prevented, and the symptoms of leukemia can be easily taken for more common illnesses. If you are a parent or a caregiver of a child with leukemia, you did not do anything wrong.  

What are the early symptoms of pediatric leukemia?

If a physician suspects your child has leukemia, they will order further testing of a sample of your child’s blood, called a complete blood count. A complete blood count can show an abnormal level of red blood cells, white blood cells or platelet cells. You wouldn’t know for certain what was going on until a doctor or provider ordered blood work and studied the results.  

Some of the more common symptoms of pediatric leukemia include:
  • Pale skin 
  • Feeling tired, weak, or cold 
  • Dizziness 
  • Headaches 
  • Shortness of breath, trouble breathing 
  • Frequent or long-term infections 
  • Fever 
  • Easy bruising or bleeding, such as nosebleeds or bleeding gums 
  • Bone and/or joint pain 
  • Abdominal swelling 
  • Poor appetite and weight loss 
  • Swollen lymph glands (nodes) 

How is pediatric leukemia diagnosed?

If your child is experiencing these symptoms and has not had blood tests done, let your pediatrician know. They can assess your child and refer to a pediatric oncologist for additional workup. From there a pediatric leukemia diagnosis often requires more tests.

 Some tests that your physician may order include: 
  • Bone marrow samples, aspiration or biopsy 
  • X-ray 
  • Ultrasound (sonography) 
  • Lymph node biopsy 
  • Lumbar puncture 

Can I ask for a second opinion about my child’s diagnosis?

You can always request a second opinion when researching how to get your child the best pediatric cancer care. It is your right, and it is a common practice; many programs and hospitals encourage it. Siteman Kids at St. Louis Children’s Hospital makes requesting a second opinion easy. Some families move from one program to another, which is not always an easy transition. It is important that you feel confident about the care your child is receiving. If you are interested in a second opinion from Siteman Kids at St. Louis Children’s Hospital, request it here.  

Why do families choose Siteman Kids for pediatric leukemia?

Siteman Kids at St. Louis Children’s Hospital offers cutting-edge care with a focus on not just your child, but on your family as well. Families choose us because of the expertise we offer them. And families stay with us when they see us treat their child with the care they deserve.  

Families at Siteman Kids are seen by WashU Medicine physicians who are specialized in pediatric medicine and are working on clinical trials and research studies to unlock new treatments for curing disease. U.S. News & World Report ranks us in the nation’s top children’s hospitals, and we are the only children’s hospital in Missouri that receives funding from the National Cancer Institute for ongoing research.  

Physicians in our program are internationally recognized as experts in pediatric leukemia. Additionally, many hold leadership roles in national groups dedicated to treating childhood leukemias, including: 

  • The Children’s Oncology Group
  • The American Society of Hematology 
  • The National Comprehensive Cancer Network. 

Additionally, Siteman Kids cares for the whole family. Our support services are extensive, providing professionals who care for the well-being of our young patients, their siblings and their caregivers. Psychologists guide children and their families through the many emotions that come from a cancer diagnosis with in-person and virtual visits. Child Life specialists assist in practical ways, educating your child on what procedures will be like, helping them learn coping strategies for their fears and stress and more. Educational liaisons help communicate and coordinate with your school district so there is a plan for continuing to learn, even when being in the classroom isn’t possible. And families receive the comprehensive support of social workers who can guide adults through the many responsibilities and realities related to caretaking while balancing work and parenting.  

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Call our nurse navigators to begin setting up an appointment for your child. They are able to answer questions and guide you to resources.

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Learn More: Pediatric Leukemia Treatment

Learn More: Pediatric Leukemia Specialist Team

Learn More: Siteman Kids Support Services