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Childhood Leukemia

Definition

Childhood Leukemia: Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL) and Acute Myelogenous Leukemia (AML) are the the most common types of leukemia in children.

• Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL) is the type of leukemia that most often occurs in children, usually manifesting between the ages of two and 10. Sometimes described as blood cancer, it affects the white blood cells which help the body combat infection. In ALL, immature white blood cells divide uncontrollably, accumulating in the bloodstream, bone marrow and lymph system. This invasion of abnormal cells interferes with the production and function of the healthy blood cells making the person with leukemia highly susceptible to infections with little or no defense.
  
  Learn more about ALL on the National Cancer Institute's General Information About Childhood Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia web page.
  
  
• Acute Myelogenous Leukemia (AML) Childhood acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a type of cancer in which the bone marrow makes a large number of abnormal blood cells. Cancers that are acute usually get worse quickly if they are not treated. In AML, the myeloid stem cells usually develop into a type of immature white blood cell called myeloblasts (or myeloid blasts). The myeloblasts, or leukemia cells, in AML are abnormal and do not become healthy white blood cells. The leukemia cells can build up in the blood and bone marrow so there is less room for healthy white blood cells, red blood cells, and platelets. When this happens, infection, anemia, or easy bleeding may occur.
  
  Learn more about ALL on the National Cancer Institute's General Information About Childhood Acute Myeloid Leukemia and Other Myeloid Malignancies web page.

Getting Diagnosed / Treatment

ALL is is treated in the Pediatric Hematology Oncology Clinic.

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