Everything You Need to Know About Cancer in Children Symptoms — According to a 2022 survey in the United States, an estimated 10,470 cancer cases was diagnosed in children between 0 – 14 years. Treating pediatric cancer is not the same as adult cancer. Early cancer treatments are oftentimes more effective. However, it once again depends on what type of cancer the children have and how advanced the development of the cells is. But before moving to treatments and everything about cancer, the first thing to notice is cancer in children symptoms. Small changes in children’s bodies such as weight loss might seem normal, but if you add it to environmental factors, it could lead to unwanted cancer diagnosis.
Cancer Types
Different types of cancer might show different symptoms. The most common pediatric cancer types are leukemia, brain and spinal cord tumors, lymphoma, bone cancer, and also Wilms tumor.
Leukemia
Blood cancer or known as the medical name of Leukemia is the most common type of pediatric cancer. The scale is 1 in every 3 cancer children suffering from Leukemia. Just like the name states, this cancer starts from blood cells. That’s why the treatment of bone-marrow donors is common practice for treating Leukemia. There are two types of Leukemia, acute one and chronic one. Acute leukemia is one that needs immediate treatment. To detect this type of cancer, better contact the team in BIMC Hospital Kuta to assist with any early cancer tests. Some of the cancer in children symptoms for Leukemia are lightheadedness, nosebleeds, joint pain, and even swollen body parts such as lymph nodes and stomach.
Brain and Spinal Cord Tumors
The next one is commonly found in pediatric cancer with up to 26% of cases. Brain and Spinal Cord Tumors are overgrown cells. It might be harmless and benign, but it could also mean harmful cancer. Some of the symptoms that might arise in this type of cancer are balance problems, headaches, and seizures. The common reason for this cancer is genetic, but it could be treated with radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and even direct surgery.
Lymphoma
Lymphoma cancer attacks the human immune system in the lymphocytes. It is divided into two main types known as Hodgkin’s lymphoma and non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. The most common case in children is non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma which can occur anywhere on the body part. This type of cancer is concerning since lymphocytes act as the immune system. Children with this type of cancer might easily get sick. That’s the first cancer in children symptoms.
Other symptoms might also include weight loss with heavy sweating and non-stop fever. The fever is a telltale of an infection in the body, therefore if the fever does not go away for more than 3 days, it is worth checking. There might also be lumps under the skin around the throat, armpits, or groin area. Since those three spots contain lymph nodes or tissues.
Bone Cancer
Up to 3% of pediatric cancer is in the shape of bone cancer. There are two known types in kids, osteosarcoma and Ewing sarcoma. Osteosarcoma begins in the cells that are in charge of forming bones. The symptoms include bone pain, commonly in the legs. However, it is possible to start in any bones, including the soft tissue outside of the bones in some rare cases. If this type of cancer occurs in your kids, you might need to run a few tests. You could use the help of BIMC Hospital Kuta to assist you in running tests to detect pediatric cancer.
The other type of bone cancer is also known as Ewing Sarcoma. Unlike osteosarcoma, Ewing Sarcoma forms a completely different cell in bones or soft tissue around the bones. Common cancer in children symptoms for Ewing Sarcoma includes bone pain and more often than not swelling around the area where the cancer cells developed.
Wilms Tumor
The underlying reason for Wilms Tumor is still unknown. But it is suspected to be caused by genes and also birth defects. This kidney cancer affects up to 4% of children in the US. It is also known by the name of nephroblastoma. The first sign of this tumor is a swollen belly. There might also be visible lumps around the area. It is a clear sign of cancer cells developing in the area. Children might also experience fever, nausea, and loss of appetite. You also need to pay attention to their stool to check for constipation or blood in the urine that might lead to Wilms Tumor.
That is all you need to know about cancer in children symptoms according to the types of cancer. When you start noticing these signs, don’t panic. Assess it thoroughly and ask for a professional opinion. You can use BIMC Hospital Kuta 24-Hour Medical Centre for a consultation. You can also use the hospital’s facilities such as the pathology department and radiology department for early detection of pediatric cancer.
