This blog was medically reviewed by Michael Richards, MD, PhD, pediatrician in the hematology/oncology program at Children’s Minnesota.
When a child doesn’t seem like themselves, it can be worrying – especially if symptoms don’t go away. Leukemia symptoms in kids can be subtle at first and may look like common childhood illnesses. Knowing the early signs of leukemia in kids can help families understand when it’s time to check in with your pediatrician.
Childhood leukemia is rare, but it is the most common childhood cancer. In this article, we’ll explain childhood leukemia signs and symptoms, what to watch for at different ages, and when to seek medical care — so you can feel informed and supported.
Learn more about cancer and blood disorders care at Children’s Minnesota.
What is childhood leukemia?
Leukemia is a type of cancer that affects the blood and bone marrow, where blood cells are made. With leukemia, the bone marrow produces abnormal white blood cells that grow out of control and crowd out healthy blood cells. When this happens, the body may not have enough red blood cells, platelets or healthy white blood cells to function normally.
The most common type of pediatric leukemia is acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), which is most often diagnosed in children between ages 2-8, but can occur in all pediatric and young adult age groups. Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is less common and can occur in all ages. Chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) is rare in children and much more common in adults. It often develops more slowly. While each type is different, many childhood leukemia signs and symptoms overlap.
Early signs of leukemia in kids
There are many possible signs of leukemia in toddlers, kids and teenagers. These symptoms can vary by child, age and leukemia type. Many of these symptoms are also common with everyday illnesses. However, when symptoms are persistent, worsening or happening together, we recommend making an appointment with your pediatrician to ask questions and get it checked out.
Common leukemia symptoms in kids may include:
- Persistent fatigue
- Frequent infections
- Bruising easily and sometimes, bleeding unexpectedly
- Bone/joint pain
- Pale skin
- Recurrent fever
- Pain or feeling of fullness
Persistent fatigue and pale skin
One of the earliest and most common childhood leukemia signs and symptoms is ongoing tiredness that doesn’t improve with rest. Children may seem unusually weak, irritable or less interested in playing. Pale or gray‑looking skin can also happen when red blood cell levels are low. Parents may notice their child becoming winded easily or lacking energy for everyday activities.
Bruising easily
Bruising easily and sometimes, bleeding unexpectedly can be a concerning first sign of childhood leukemia. Leukemia bruising in a child happens when platelets are too low to help blood clot normally. Without blood clotting normally, children may bruise more easily and have bleeding problems such as bleeding gums or nose bleeds.
Bone/joint pain
People sometimes wonder about joint pain and childhood leukemia. Because young kids have growing pains or are active with sports and other activities, bone and joint pain can be one of the more confusing leukemia symptoms in kids. Kids may feel foot or ankle pain with leukemia or general bone and joint pain. This pain may not go away and can make a child limp or not want to walk.
Pain or feeling of fullness
Leukemic cells can “spill out” from the bone marrow and travel anywhere in the body that blood goes. They can spread or travel to the lymph nodes, spleen and liver, which may cause these organs to become enlarged. This can cause pain or feeling of fullness below the ribs due to an enlarged liver or spleen.
Recurrent fever
Is recurrent fever a sign of childhood cancer? A recurrent fever in a child without a clear cause can sometimes be a sign of leukemia. These fevers may last longer or happen again and again. Because the body has trouble fighting infection, children may get sick more often or recover more slowly.
Learn more about Minnesota’s largest leukemia and lymphoma program at Children’s Minnesota.
When to see your provider
As a parent or caregiver, trust your instincts. If you feel your child has symptoms that last longer than expected, get worse over time, or occur together, make an appointment with your pediatrician. Getting checked early doesn’t always mean something serious is wrong. You know your child best, and asking questions is always the right step.
How the experts at Children’s Minnesota can help
It can be frightening to hear that a child has cancer or a blood disorder. At Children’s Minnesota, we are considered a leader in treating cancer and blood disorders, in fact, we are the largest pediatric cancer and blood disorders program in the upper Midwest. Our multidisciplinary teams specialize in diagnosing and treating all types of pediatric leukemia while supporting the whole family every step of the way.
If you’re concerned about possible signs of leukemia in your child, our team is here to help guide you through next steps, answer questions and provide expert care.
Learn more about top-notch cancer and blood disorders treatment you can trust.
