Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia is sometimes misdiagnosed as Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis

It has been reported that some patients have been misdiagnosed with Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis, when in fact the correct diagnosis in their specific case was Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia.

Acute lymphocytic leukemia is cancer of the bone marrow where your white blood cells are made. It is where too many white blood cells are made too quickly and this abnormal cells are unable to function correctly. This is the most common type of cancer in children and symptoms include bleeding from the gums, bone pain, fever, frequent infections, frequent and severe nosebleeds, swollen lymph nodes in the neck, armpits, abdomen or groin, pale skin, shortness of breath and fatigue. It can be mistaken as conditions such as juvenile idiopathic arthritis, other forms of leukemia and anaemia.

Always consult your doctor or health professional, and do not self diagnose.

Symptoms can include:

Bone pain, fever, frequent infections, pale skin, shortness of breath, weakness or fatigue, frequent or severe nosebleeds, bleeding from the gums, lumps around the neck or armpits or abdomen or groin

Symptoms are a guideline only and may apply to either the diagnosis or the reported misdiagnosis, or both. Consult your specialist for further information.

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