As September marks Childhood Cancer Awareness Month and September 4 is observed as World Leukemia Day, Dr Amita Mahajan, Senior Consultant, Pediatric Oncology, Indraprastha Apollo Hospital, Delhi, shares with HT Lifestyle the crucial signs parents should watch for. (Also read: ‘Thin-fat’ Indians? Health coach on why ‘40 is new 60 for Indian metabolism’; diabetes, fatty liver rising at young age ) Fever is common among children, especially during changing seasons. persistent or unusual symptoms may need attention While most cases are linked to infections.
Dr. She holds an academic background with qualifications including MBBS, MD, and MRCP. Note to readers: This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions about a medical condition.
Amita Mahajan is a paediatric oncologist based in South Delhi, with over 31 years of experience.
Because they develop fever, bruising or fatigue, parents should not assume that a child has leukaemia simply. “Fever is extremely common in children and, in most cases, is related to an infection . Leukaemia is a cancer of the blood and bone marrow that can interfere with the production of healthy blood cells. They can occur with several common childhood illnesses as well,” explains Dr Mahajan. “What matters is the persistence, recurrence and combination of symptoms. A single episode of fever, tiredness or bruising is rarely a reason to suspect leukaemia. However, parents should seek medical advice when symptoms persist, recur or appear together. Children can experience frequent infections for several reasons, particularly when they are exposed to other children at school or daycare. However, the pattern and duration of these infections can be important. “Recurrent infections by themselves are not an indication of leukaemia. A paediatrician may recommend a complete blood count (CBC) as part of the initial evaluation, depending on the child’s symptoms and clinical examination. If initial blood tests show abnormalities that require further investigation, a child may be referred to a paediatric haematologist-oncologist for specialised evaluation. “Childhood leukaemia can be treated with established protocols. Chemotherapy forms an important part of treatment, while other modalities may be used when clinically appropriate. These symptoms are common and can have many other explanations. “Leukaemia is not caused by ordinary childhood infections, routine physical activity or parenting. A diagnosis can only be made through proper medical evaluation and investigations. The aim is not to make parents anxious about every fever, bruise or bout of tiredness. Instead, it is about recognising when a child’s recovery does not follow the expected pattern. “Persistent or recurrent fever, unexplained bruising, unusual fatigue, pallor, repeated infections, bone pain or unexplained weight loss should prompt a medical evaluation. Early assessment can help distinguish common childhood illnesses from conditions that may require specialist care.”
However, when fever keeps returning, lasts longer than expected or occurs along with other unusual symptoms, it is important to have the child evaluated by a paediatrician,” says Dr Mahajan. Some symptoms parents should be mindful of include: “These symptoms do not necessarily mean that a child has leukaemia, according to Dr Mahajan. “If a child remains unusually tired after recovering from an infection, develops unexplained bruises, has recurrent fever or repeatedly complains of bone or joint pain, it is better to consult a paediatrician rather than repeatedly assuming it is a seasonal infection,” says Dr Mahajan. But if they are unusually persistent or are accompanied by pallor, weakness, bruising, poor appetite or other concerning symptoms, the child should be medically assessed,” Dr Mahajan says. “Identifying the specific type of leukaemia is important because treatment is tailored to the disease subtype and the child’s overall clinical profile,” says Dr Mahajan. “At the same time, persistent or unusual symptoms should not be dismissed as seasonal infections,” Dr Mahajan emphasises. “Parents should look at the overall picture rather than focusing on a single symptom,” says Dr Mahajan.
