Paediatric Cancer: Understanding the Types and Symptoms

As students preparing for competitive exams, it is essential to be aware of the various types of paediatric cancer and their symptoms. Paediatric cancer is a significant issue that affects young people and their families, and early detection and awareness are crucial for improved results and increased chances of recovery.

Types of Paediatric Cancer

According to Dr. Ushma Singh, Director of Pediatric Oncology and Hematology at Andromeda Cancer Hospital, Sonipat, there are five primary types of paediatric cancer:

1. Leukaemia: This type of cancer accounts for approximately 30% of paediatric cancers and starts in the bone marrow. It produces abnormal white blood cells that displace healthy blood cells, leading to anaemia, increased risk of infections, and bleeding issues. There are two main forms of juvenile leukaemia: Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia (ALL) and Acute Myeloid Leukaemia (AML).

Symptoms of leukaemia include fatigue, frequent infections, unexplained bruising or bleeding, bone and joint pain, and swollen lymph nodes.

2. Brain and Central Nervous System (CNS) Tumors: These tumours are the second most common type of childhood cancer and can occur in various regions of the brain and spinal cord. The most common types are gliomas and medulloblastomas.

Symptoms of brain and CNS tumours include headaches, nausea and vomiting, balance problems, vision, hearing, and speech issues, and seizures.

3. Neuroblastoma: This type of cancer affects infants and early children and is caused by undeveloped nerve cells. It usually begins in the adrenal glands but can also grow in nerve tissues along the spine.

Symptoms of neuroblastoma include abdominal pain, a mass under the skin that is not tender, changes in bowel habits, and difficulty breathing.

4. Wilms Tumor: Also known as nephroblastoma, this type of kidney cancer primarily affects children between the ages of three and four. It typically appears as a painless lump in the abdomen.

Symptoms of Wilms tumor include abdominal swelling or a lump, fever, nausea, blood in the urine, and constipation.

5. Lymphoma: This type of cancer affects the lymphatic system and includes non-Hodgkin and Hodgkin lymphomas. Non-Hodgkin lymphoma typically affects younger children, while Hodgkin lymphoma is more common in teens.

Symptoms of lymphoma include swollen lymph nodes, fever, night sweats, weight loss, and fatigue.

Importance of Early Detection and Awareness

Paediatric cancer presents numerous challenges, but medical science has made significant progress in improving the prognosis for many young patients. The battle against these diseases still relies heavily on early detection and public awareness. It is essential to be aware of the symptoms and to seek medical attention immediately if any unusual symptoms arise. At Andromeda Cancer Hospital, our dedication is to providing comprehensive care and support to children and their families facing serious illnesses.

By understanding the types and symptoms of paediatric cancer, students can play a vital role in spreading awareness and promoting early detection, ultimately leading to better outcomes for young patients.

Historical Context:

Paediatric cancer has been a significant concern for centuries, with the first recorded case of childhood cancer dating back to ancient Greece. However, it wasn’t until the 20th century that significant progress was made in understanding and treating the disease. The 1950s and 1960s saw the development of chemotherapy and radiation therapy, which greatly improved treatment outcomes. In the 1980s, the introduction of stem cell transplantation and immunotherapy further enhanced treatment options. Today, with advances in medical technology and research, the prognosis for many paediatric cancer patients has improved significantly.

Summary in Bullet Points:

Types of Paediatric Cancer:

• Leukaemia (accounts for 30% of paediatric cancers)
  • Symptoms: fatigue, frequent infections, unexplained bruising or bleeding, bone and joint pain, swollen lymph nodes
• Brain and Central Nervous System (CNS) Tumors
  • Symptoms: headaches, nausea and vomiting, balance problems, vision, hearing, and speech issues, seizures
• Neuroblastoma
  • Symptoms: abdominal pain, mass under the skin that is not tender, changes in bowel habits, difficulty breathing
• Wilms Tumor (kidney cancer)
  • Symptoms: abdominal swelling or lump, fever, nausea, blood in the urine, constipation
• Lymphoma (affects the lymphatic system)
  • Symptoms: swollen lymph nodes, fever, night sweats, weight loss, fatigue

Importance of Early Detection and Awareness:

• Early detection is crucial for improved treatment outcomes and increased chances of recovery
• Public awareness is essential for promoting early detection and seeking medical attention immediately if unusual symptoms arise
• Understanding the types and symptoms of paediatric cancer can help spread awareness and promote early detection, leading to better outcomes for young patients.