Blood cancer in children, also known as pediatric hematologic malignancies, primarily involves cancers of blood-forming tissues, such as the bone marrow, lymphatic system, and blood cells. Common types include leukemia, lymphoma, and myelomas. The exact causes of most childhood blood cancers are unknown, but research suggests a combination of factors may play a role, including genetic predisposition, exposure to high levels of radiation or chemicals, and prior chemotherapy treatment. Lifestyle factors like smoking are not typically implicated in childhood blood cancers. Symptoms include persistent fever, frequent infections, fatigue, easy bruising or bleeding, bone or joint pain, swollen lymph nodes, and abdominal pain or swelling. Diagnosis typically involves a combination of physical examination, blood tests, bone marrow aspiration and biopsy, lymph node biopsy, imaging tests, and cytogenetic and molecular testing. Early and accurate diagnosis is crucial for improving outcomes in childhood blood cancers.
Bone marrow transplant (BMT), also known as hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, is a potentially life-saving treatment for children with certain blood cancers. It involves replacing damaged bone marrow with healthy, immature stem cells, which can develop into all types of blood cells. In children with blood cancer, bone marrow often produces abnormal or cancerous cells.
T. Mallareddy from Warangal successfully underwent Bone Marrow Transplant for Blood Cancer at Yashoda Hospitals, Hyderabad, under the supervision of Dr. Ganesh Jaishetwar, Sr. Consultant Hematologist, Hemato-Oncologist & Bone Marrow Transplant Physician.