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The teenager was leading a normal life when she was suddenly diagnosed with blood cancer after ordinary infection symptoms persisted for two months.
childhood leukaemia carries a 10–20% risk of relapse after complete remission, depending on the type of leukaemia, genetic profile, and response to treatment. (Representative image: Getty)
She was suffering from intermittent loose motions for two months and had a recurring fever. The symptoms appeared ordinary—something most people would dismiss as a seasonal infection. But in one case, those seemingly minor warning signs led to the diagnosis of a life-threatening disease in a young girl.
Narrating the story of leukaemia diagnosis in her 16-year-old patient, Dr Neha Garg, Senior Consultant and Head of Medical Oncology at Andromeda Cancer Hospital, says there was nothing about the teenager that suggested a serious illness.
“She was a normal school-going girl with a healthy lifestyle and good physical build—not overweight, not underweight. She was like any other teenager her age,” Dr Garg recalls.
The girl’s health concerns began subtly. She had loose motions that would come and go, along with fever episodes. At first, it did not raise an alarm. Infections, digestive issues, and viral fevers are common among teenagers.
But when the symptoms persisted for nearly two months, her doctors recommended a complete blood count (CBC) test to rule out any underlying problem.
The results revealed something concerning. Her total leukocyte count (TLC), which measures white blood cells, was abnormally high, while her platelet count was unusually low. These abnormalities pointed to a deeper issue with her blood and immune system.
She was immediately referred to an oncologist. Further evaluation confirmed the diagnosis: leukaemia, a type of blood cancer.
How Common Is Blood Cancer In Children
Dr Garg notes that blood cancers are a leading type of childhood and adolescent cancer in India. With current treatments in place, the prognosis for childhood leukaemia patients can be as high as 70 – 90 per cent, she adds.
For the girl and her family, the news was devastating. “It was heartbreaking,” says Dr Garg. But what stood out was the family’s response. She adds that the girl’s parents remained supportive and focused on treatment from day one. Instead of giving in to fear, they chose to act quickly, ensuring their daughter received timely medical care.
Early diagnosis significantly improves survival chances in leukaemia, particularly in children and adolescents.
“A child’s chances of survival improve dramatically with early diagnosis, while delays in treatment increase the risk of complications and can significantly raise the likelihood of death,” Dr Garg says.
Why Ordinary Symptoms Signal Serious Disease
One of the most challenging aspects of leukaemia is that its early symptoms often resemble routine illnesses. Dr Garg explains that leukaemia affects the white blood cells, which play a critical role in fighting infections. As these cells become abnormal and ineffective, the immune system weakens.
This makes the body more vulnerable to infections, which may appear as persistent fever, frequent infections, diarrhoea or digestive disturbances and fatigue or weakness.
“These infections may initially appear like common viral illnesses, making early detection difficult,” she explains.
“If a child has persistent or unique symptoms, the parents may ask their doctor to order a blood test for abnormal cell counts,” she adds.
In this case, a simple blood test became the turning point.
Treatment And A Long Road To Recovery
Treatment began immediately after diagnosis and continued for nearly a year. Like many patients undergoing cancer treatment, the teenager experienced significant physical and emotional challenges.
She lost her hair—one of the most visible and emotionally difficult side effects of cancer treatment, especially for adolescents.
Her immunity weakened, making her vulnerable to infections. Routine precautions became essential, and her life revolved around hospital visits, medications, and recovery periods.
Dr Garg explains that even after treatment ends, children often continue to have weakened immunity for a prolonged period, making infection prevention extremely important during recovery.
“In the long term, some children may experience delayed growth, hormonal imbalances, and fatigue. While certain physical activities may be restricted initially, most children gradually return to their normal academic routine and social life,” she says.
Slowly, the treatment began to work; her body responded well, and the cancer went into remission. Today, at 18, the girl is cancer-free and living a normal life again. “She has recovered well and is now leading a normal life,” Dr Garg says.
However, even after successful treatment, careful monitoring is crucial as relapse remains a possibility. Dr Garg says that childhood leukaemia carries a 10–20% risk of relapse after complete remission, depending on the type of leukaemia, genetic profile, and response to treatment.
The first five years after remission are especially important, as this is when relapse risk is highest. Regular check-ups ensure that any recurrence is detected early, when treatment is most effective.
The case highlights a crucial lesson: serious diseases do not always begin with dramatic symptoms. Sometimes, they start quietly—with fatigue, fever, or digestive issues that seem harmless.
Persistent or unexplained symptoms, especially when they last for weeks, should never be ignored.
March 01, 2026, 13:55 IST
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