Diagnosis of leukemia is extremely difficult because many symptoms mimic those of normal childhood illnesses. The onset of the disease can be slow and insidious or very rapid. Initially, children begin to tire easily and rest often. Frequently, they have a fever which comes and goes. Interest in eating gradually diminishes, but only some children lose weight.
Parents usually notice pale skin and occasional bruising.
Some children develop back, leg, and joint pain which makes it difficult for them to walk. Children become cranky and irritable, occasional nose bleeds develop. There are many different forms of leukemia and they are all treated with usually high doses of chemotherapy, radiation and bone marrow transplants. Depending on the kind of Leukemia and the stage it is diagnosed in, treatment can be any of these, a combination or in some cases all of them. Unfortunately like with many forms of cancer, regular screenings by the physician is very important, because symptoms usually don't occur until the advanced stages.