Dealing with a teen is part and parcel of parenting. Though it can be frustrating at times, as parents, you want your kids to grow up healthy and normal so that they can enjoy their lives as adults and you can be proud of them. As such, it can be devastating for any parent to learn that your teen has leukemia. While your doctor is the best person to support you, here is some relevant information on Leukemia in teens, and what you can do to help your child.
Leukemia:
Leukemia is defined as a cancer in blood-forming tissues, which can include the bone marrow. While cancer is rare among kids and teens, leukemia is most commonly diagnosed in children and adolescents. Nearly one out of three childhood cancer cases is typically diagnosed as leukemia [1]. Teenagers and kids tend to develop acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL), and acute myelogenous leukemia (AML). Children rarely develop chronic forms of leukemia.
Classification Of Leukemia:
Oncologists typically classify leukemia on how fast the malignancy progresses and the type of cells involved. This classification is necessary to devise the treatment plan for your adolescent.
1. Acute Leukemia:
In this type of leukemia, the abnormal blood cells do not mature. They stay immature and hence, they cannot function normally. These immature blood cells proliferate very quickly, causing the disease to worsen rapidly. As the progress of acute leukemia is rapid, it requires aggressive and prompt treatment.
2. Chronic Leukemia:
There are several types of chronic leukemia, and some do not have symptoms, and can remain undiagnosed for several years. Some types cause the production of too many cells, while other types inhibit cell production. Chronic leukemia afflicts more mature blood cells, which multiply slowly. These affected blood cells function normally for a particular time.
The other type of leukemia classification is according to the type of white blood cells that get affected. This classification includes:
1. Lymphocytic Leukemia:
In lymphocytic leukemia, lymphocytes or lymphoid cells that develop into lymphatic tissue or lymphoid get affected. Lymphatic tissue is an important part of a human body’s immune system.
2. Myelogenous Leukemia:
In this type of leukemia, your teen’s myeloid cells get affected. These cells are the building blocks of white blood cells, platelets, and red blood cells