Pediatric Acute Myeloid Leukemia Acute Myeloid Leukemia is a cancer in the blood that affects the white blood cells and lowers the immune system. The cancer starts in the bone marrow and spreads to the blood stream of the patient. The white blood cells that are affected become abnormal (leucopenia), and will cause them to become harmful to the immune system of the patient. The abnormal cells will begin to crowd out the healthy cells and take over the body. The effect from the abnormal cells will cause patient’s body to have a lower immune system, and they will have trouble fighting off infection; thus creating more issues for the child. They have to be kept in confined areas free from germs or any infection, because they are so susceptible. …show more content…
Acute Myeloid Leukemia is the most common second cancer among children being treated for other cancers. According to the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital (n.d.), about 500 children are found to have AML in the United States each year. The term “acute” in Acute Myeloid Leukemia, refers to the disease having a rapid spread throughout the body. Myeloid refers the abnormal myeloblasts (white blood cells) in the body. The body begins to produce too many immature and abnormal cells that are referred to as blasts. The blast will disrupt normal function of the body as they pass through the lymphatic system and blood stream. There are two types of pediatric leukemia: AML and ALL. Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia is where the body produces too many immature lymphocytes. Both cancers will affect the bone marrow and white blood cells. Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia is the most common cancer when compared to Acute Myeloid Leukemia. Acute Myeloid Leukemia does not occur in stages like other cancers; it can be spreading through the bloodstream at the time of diagnosis. This leukemia could possibly have already invaded an organ. Since this leukemia can affect the body as a whole, it must be treated very aggressively and as soon as