Cancer in Children

CANCER IN CHILDREN

Overview

The following type of cancers are usually seen in children

(a) Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia: - (ALL) It is the most common childhood malignancy and accounts for about 30% of all childhood cancers.

(b) Wilm’s tumor: - Is a cancer that may affect one or both kidneys. It is most often found in children 2 to 3 years of age.

(c)  Neuroblastoma: - Is the most common extra cranial (outside of the brain) solid tumor in children and most often diagnosed during the first year of life. This tumor can appear anywhere but usually occurs in the abdomen as a swelling.

(d) Retinoblastoma: - Is a cancer of the eye, it occurs in about 5% of children cancer cases.

(e) Rhabdomyosarcoma: - Is the most common soft tissue sarcoma in children.

(f) Central nervous system: - (Brain & Spinal cord) Cancers are the second most common cancers in children. Most brain cancers of children involve the cerebellum or brain stem.

(g) Osteosarcoma: - Osteosarcoma is cancer that begins in the bone.

(h) Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma and Hodgkin’s lymphoma: - Are cancers that begin in the lymphatic system.

Risk factors

Modern science is yet unsure as the exact causes of childhood cancers. A small percentage of cancers can be linked to Down syndrome, other inherited abnormalities, and some to radiation treatment. Environmental causes are suspected as a potential cause of childhood cancers.

Symptoms

 Symptoms of cancer often look like other common childhood illnesses.

(i) Unexplained and untreatable weight loss.

(ii) Headaches and vomiting early in the morning.

(iii) Mass or lump in the abdomen, neck, chest, pelvis, or armpits.

(iv) Excessive bleeding or development of rashes.

(v) Constant infections.

(vi) Uncommon appearance of the pupil of the eye.

(vii) Vomiting and vomiting without nausea.

(viii) Weakness tiredness and paleness.

(ix) Eye or vision changes that occur suddenly.

(x) Persistent fevers of unknown origin.

Diagnosis

(a) Blood tests

(b) C.T. Scan

(c) Magnetic resonance Imaging

(d) Ultrasound

(e) Biopsy

(f) Bone marrow aspiration

(g) Lumbar puncture