A purple-red rash may appear. Other symptoms that may occur are swollen glands in the neck and jaw, sores in the mouth, and unexplained bleeding. However, many perfectly healthy children get frequent colds or minor infections with many of the same symptoms. If leukemia is suspected, your doctor will take a blood sample. The child may be admitted to a hospital where a sample of the bone marrow can be taken.
Treatment is likely to consist of several drugs and sometimes radiation therapy.
Leukemia can spread throughout the body so the child must be thoroughly examined and tested to determine what treatment approach is best. The decision may be made to use both drugs and radiation because this will treat cells that have spread to other parts of the body. Both the disease and the treatment may cause the blood count to be abnormal. During this time, the child will have to be carefully protected from infection. Transfusions will also help to support the sick bone marrow.