Medical Services

Childhood leukaemia is the most common type of cancer affecting children and develops when the bone marrow produces abnormal white blood cells. These cancerous cells multiply rapidly, crowding out healthy blood cells and reducing the body's ability to fight infections, carry oxygen, and control bleeding. The two main types are acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL), which is the most common, and acute myeloid leukaemia (AML).

Symptoms may include persistent fever, fatigue, pale skin, frequent infections, easy bruising or bleeding, swollen lymph nodes, bone or joint pain, weight loss, and enlarged liver or spleen. Since these symptoms can resemble common childhood illnesses, early medical evaluation is essential for timely diagnosis.

Diagnosis involves a complete blood count (CBC), peripheral blood smear, bone marrow aspiration, immunophenotyping, genetic testing, and imaging studies when needed. These tests help determine the type and stage of the disease, guiding treatment decisions.

Treatment typically includes chemotherapy, targeted therapy, immunotherapy, radiation therapy in selected cases, and stem cell transplantation for high-risk patients. Advances in paediatric cancer care have significantly improved survival rates. Regular follow-up, supportive care, nutritional support, and infection prevention are essential to ensure successful treatment outcomes and enhance the child's quality of life during recovery.