Pay attention to lymph node enlargement in children!

With the arrival of autumn, the cooling of the weather and the easy spread of viruses in crowded environments are causing a rapid increase in upper respiratory tract infections in children. These infections can lead to symptoms such as fever, sore throat, cough, and fatigue, and are often confused with seasonal illnesses like the common cold or flu. However, one must be careful! Acıbadem Altunizade Hospital Pediatric Hematology and Pediatric Oncology Specialist Prof. Dr. Cengiz Canpolat warns, "Although lymph node enlargement is usually caused by upper respiratory tract infections, it can sometimes be a sign of a serious disease such as leukemia. For this reason, investigating a symptom like lymph node enlargement is of great importance." Prof. Dr. Canpolat offered important advice to parents on the occasion of the November 2-8 Leukemia Children's Week.

Leukemia, one of the most common types of childhood cancer in our country, leads the way with a rate of 30 percent and usually manifests itself with bruising on the legs. However, these bruises are often attributed to 'the child being naughty' or 'bumping their leg against furniture during play,' and the chance for early diagnosis can be missed. One of the biggest obstacles to early diagnosis is the 'common symptoms' that can be confused with upper respiratory tract infections.

Pediatric Oncology Specialist Prof. Dr. Cengiz Canpolat states that children frequently catch upper respiratory tract diseases, especially in the autumn and winter months, and points out that lymph node enlargement, an important symptom of leukemia, may be overlooked during these periods. Leukemia, known colloquially as 'blood cancer,' is frequently seen especially in the 2-5 age range, but it can appear at any age from the newborn period to adolescence. The specialist doctor warns, "Leukemia, which occurs as a result of the uncontrolled proliferation and division of bone and blood cells, is a life-threatening disease. However, since some of its symptoms resemble those of diseases considered insignificant like the flu or a cold, the opportunity for early diagnosis, which is critical for treatment, can be missed."

PAY ATTENTION TO CHANGES IN THESE AREAS!

The specialist doctor states that because children's immune systems are not yet sufficiently developed, they frequently encounter viral and bacterial infections, and that lymph nodes in the neck, armpit, or groin areas can enlarge during this process. He explains in which situations a detailed investigation should be conducted: "Lymph nodes that appear due to viral infections usually shrink on their own. Lymph node enlargement caused by bacterial infections is brought under control with antibiotic treatment. However, if there is still no shrinkage in the lymph nodes when the treatment process is completed, or if the enlargement continues, a Pediatric Hematology and Oncology department should definitely be consulted.

Furthermore, lymph node enlargement that develops during upper respiratory tract infections usually does not exceed a certain size and tenderness is felt when touched. However, if the enlargement in the lymph node is due to leukemia, these lymph nodes may appear larger and harder and may not cause tenderness. For this reason, it is important to pay attention to the locations, numbers, and sizes of the lymph nodes in the body, whether there is redness or increased heat when touched, whether they are in a single region or widespread in the body, whether they show shrinkage or growth despite treatment, and whether they are accompanied by fever."

IF HIGH FEVER ACCOMPANIES LYMPH NODE ENLARGEMENT!

Leukemia has many symptoms ranging from fatigue to high fever, from a persistent cough to arm and leg pain, and from small hemorrhages that occur in different areas such as the mouth, teeth, and nose and take a long time to heal, to blood seen in urine and stool. In leukemia, lymph node enlargement can be accompanied by high fever. Due to a decrease in the cells that provide the patient's immunity, a fever profile that does not respond to treatment and lasts for a long time can develop. In such a case, having advanced examinations performed is of vital importance.

FULL RECOVERY IS POSSIBLE IN LEUKEMIA, BUT!

Stating that leukemia can occur as a result of environmental factors as well as genetic factors, the expert emphasizes that much more effective results have been achieved in its treatment in recent years thanks to rapid developments in technology and medicine. "Parents should not immediately panic, should remain calm during the treatment process, and should not approach their children as if they are facing an extraordinary problem. It is extremely important for family members to be in cooperation with the doctor and to approach the child in a healthy and logical way for the success of the treatment. Today, with early diagnosis and correct treatment, the recovery rate in childhood leukemia is up to 75 percent, and in acute lymphoblastic leukemia, it is up to 95 percent, and even complete recovery can be achieved."

A SIMPLE BLOOD TEST PLAYS A CRITICAL ROLE!

It is pointed out that social awareness regarding leukemia in our country is not sufficiently developed. The disease can be diagnosed with a simple blood count, but due to a lack of awareness, the chance for early diagnosis is often missed, and attempts are made to intervene when patients are in advanced stages. When diagnosed early, recovery can be achieved with a two-to-three-year treatment process depending on the type of cancer and the risk group. For this reason, it is extremely important for parents to observe their children carefully.