What are the Signs and Symptoms of Juvenile Myelomonocytic Leukemia?

Juvenile Myelomonocytic Leukemia (JMML) is a rare and serious form of childhood leukemia. It is characterized by the overproduction of immature white blood cells (myelomonocytes) in the bone marrow. This overproduction can interfere with the production of normal blood cells, leading to a variety of symptoms. It's important to note that these symptoms can vary greatly from child to child, and they may resemble other blood disorders or medical problems. Always consult your child's doctor for a diagnosis.

The Most Common Signs and Symptoms of Juvenile Myelomonocytic Leukemia include:

• Fever: Persistent or recurrent fevers are common in children with JMML. This is due to the body's response to abnormal cells or to infection due to a weakened immune system.
• Fatigue and weakness: Children with JMML may become easily tired or weak. This is often due to anemia, a condition in which there are too few red blood cells to carry oxygen to the body's tissues.
• Easy bruising or bleeding: Children with JMML may bruise easily or bleed excessively from minor cuts or injuries. This is due to a decrease in the number of platelets, which are needed for blood clotting.
• Enlarged spleen or liver: The spleen and liver may become enlarged due to the overproduction of myelomonocytes. This can cause abdominal pain or discomfort.
• Skin rash: Some children with JMML develop a skin rash. This can be due to the infiltration of leukemia cells into the skin or to an immune reaction.
• Failure to thrive: Children with JMML may have poor growth or weight loss. This can be due to a variety of factors, including poor appetite, malabsorption of nutrients, or the energy demands of the disease.

Seek Care For Your Juvenile Myelomonocytic Leukemia

If your child is experiencing any of these symptoms, it's important to seek medical attention as soon as possible. Early diagnosis and treatment can improve the prognosis for children with JMML. Treatment typically involves chemotherapy to destroy the abnormal cells, followed by a stem cell transplant to restore normal blood cell production. Your child's doctor can provide more information about the best treatment options for your child.

Want to Learn More About Juvenile Myelomonocytic Leukemia?

Keep reading HealthTree for Juvenile Myelomonocytic Leukemia's 101 pages!

• What Is Juvenile Myelomonocytic Leukemia?
• How Is Juvenile Myelomonocytic Leukemia Diagnosed?
• How Long Will I Live With Juvenile Myelomonocytic Leukemia?
• How Is Juvenile Myelomonocytic Leukemia Staged And Classified?
• What Are Treatments For Juvenile Myelomonocytic Leukemia?