Childhood AML Stages

Childhood Acute Myeloid Leukemia

Childhood AML Stages: An Introduction

Once childhood acute myeloid leukemia (AML) has been diagnosed, tests are done to find out if the cancer has spread to other parts of the body. The extent or spread of cancer is usually described in stages. In childhood acute myeloid leukemia, the subtype of AML and whether the leukemia has spread outside the blood and bone marrow are used, instead of the stage, in order to plan treatment. Childhood acute myeloid leukemia is also known as acute myelogenous leukemia.

Tests and procedures that may be used to determine if the leukemia has spread include:

Lumbar puncture
Biopsy of the testicles, ovaries, or skin.

Lumbar Puncture

A lumbar puncture is a procedure that is used to collect cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) from the spinal column by placing a needle into it. This procedure is also called an LP or spinal tap.

Biopsy

A biopsy is used to remove cells or tissues from the testicles, ovaries, or skin so that they can be viewed under a microscope to check for signs of cancer. A biopsy is only performed if something unusual about the testicles, ovaries, or skin is found during the physical exam.

Understanding Childhood AML Stages

There is no standard staging system for childhood AML. Childhood AML is described as untreated, in remission, or recurrent.

Untreated Childhood AML

In untreated childhood AML, the disease is newly diagnosed and has not been treated except to relieve symptoms such as fever, bleeding, or pain. In untreated childhood AML:

The complete blood count is abnormal
More than 20 percent of the cells in the bone marrow are blasts (leukemia cells)
There are possible signs or symptoms of leukemia.

(Childhood AML Stages Continued: Page 2)