Parents warned of 'persistent symptoms' that could point to most common childhood cancer

Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia, also known as ALL, can have symptoms that quickly escalate and may be misleading. According to specialists at the , ALL is one of the most common types of childhood cancers, particularly for children aged 10 and under.

The disease rapidly progresses with persistent and worsening symptoms as it infects white blood cells throughout the body. It's generally believed that ALL is more common in boys than girls, with children under the age of 5 being the most at risk.

However, identifying early warning signs can make a significant difference in treatment and recovery, regardless of the child's age. Dr Asmaa Ferdjallah, a pediatric hematologist and oncologist at the Mayo Clinic, highlighted some specific symptoms and warning signs she wants parents to be aware of.

She acknowledged that many of the first symptoms of ALL may resemble other common illnesses like the flu, but what sets it apart are specific, persistent symptoms. The expert is sending a vital message to parents, advising them to seek medical help if they spot their children suffering from persistent high fevers, swollen lymph nodes, and unusual bruising – particularly when these symptoms appear concurrently.

The professional elaborated on the issue, saying: "With ALL, we often see frequent or daily high fevers that you can't explain. We'll often see rapid weight loss that doesn't make sense for a child's activity level. And we always ask about lumps or bumps, which can indicate swollen lymph nodes, as well as night sweats, bone pain and any new bruising or bleeding."

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To alleviate concerns, the doctor offered some reassurance to anxious parents, stating: "ALL declares itself. It’s not going to sneak up on you. It creates a constellation of symptoms that we see." She also pointed out that the odd occurrence of these indicators isn't usually cause for alarm.

The alerts UK residents to take immediate action and visit A&E with their offspring if they observe sudden swelling and redness in the child's face, neck, arms, or hands. An urgent medical situation may also arise if the youngster experiences new swelling of the veins in the neck or chest area.

The NHS highlights other prime signs to watch out for, such as fatigue, pale complexion, bone or joint pain, dwindling appetite, breathlessness, or a bloated, potentially sore or uncomfortable belly characterized by a sensation of fullness. Among these, blurred vision and seizures stand out as particularly concerning rarer symptoms.