Overview
The types of cancer that occur most often in children are different from those seen in adults. The most common cancers found in children are: Leukaemia Leukaemias, which are cancers of the bone marrow and blood, are the most common childhood cancers. They account for about 31% of all cancers in children. The most common types in children are Acute Lymphocytic Leukaemia (ALL) and Acute Myelogenous Leukaemia (AML). Leukaemia may cause bone and joint pain, fatigue, weakness, pale skin, bleeding or bruising, fever, weight loss and other symptoms. Brain and Central Nervous System Tumours Brain and central nervous system tumours are the second most common cancers in children, making up about 21% of childhood cancers. There are many types of brain tumours and the treatment and outlook for each is different. Most brain tumours in children start in the lower parts of the brain, such as the cerebellum or brain stem. They can cause headaches, nausea, vomiting, blurred or double vision, dizziness and trouble walking or handling objects. Adults are more likely to develop tumours in upper parts of the brain. Spinal cord tumours are less common than brain tumours in both children and adults. Neuroblastoma Neuroblastoma starts in early forms of nerve cells found in a developing embryo or foetus. About 7% of childhood cancers are neuroblastomas. This type of cancer occurs in infants and young children. It is rarely found in children older than 10. This tumour can start anywhere but is usually in the belly (abdomen) and is noticed as swelling. It can also cause bone pain and fever. Wilms’ Tumour Wilms’ Tumour starts in one, or rarely, both kidneys. It is most often found in children around 3 to 4 years old, and is uncommon in children older than the age of 6. It can show up as a swelling or lump in the belly (abdomen). Sometimes the child might have other symptoms, like fever, pain, nausea or poor appetite. Wilms’ tumour accounts for about 5% of childhood cancers. Lymphoma These cancers start in certain cells of the immune system called lymphocytes. They most often grow in lymph nodes and other lymph tissues, like the tonsils or thymus. They can also affect the bone marrow and other organs and can cause different symptoms depending on where the cancer is. Lymphomas can cause weight loss, fever, sweats, tiredness (fatigue) and lumps (swollen lymph nodes) under the skin in the neck, armpit, or groin. The 2 main types of lymphoma are: Hodgkin’s lymphoma (sometimes called Hodgkin’s disease) and non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. Both types occur in children and adults.
- Osteosarcoma is most common in teens, and usually develops in areas where the bone is growing quickly, such as near the ends of the long bones in the legs or arms. It often causes bone pain that gets worse at night or with activity. It can also cause swelling in the area around the bone.
- Ewings sarcoma is a less common type of bone cancer, which can also cause bone pain. It is most often found in young teens. The most common places for it to start are the bones in the pelvis, the chest wall (such as the ribs or shoulder blades) or in the middle of the long leg bones.
Symptoms
Cancer can be hard to detect in children. Children with cancer may experience the following symptoms or signs. Sometimes, children with cancer do not show any of these symptoms. Or, these symptoms may be caused by a medical condition that is not cancer. Some of the symptoms include:
Causes
Doctors and researchers don’t know what causes most childhood cancers. A small percentage of cancers can be linked to the genetic disorder Down’s syndrome, other inherited genetic abnormalities and previous radiation treatment. Environmental causes, such as exposure to infectious and toxic substances, are unlikely to cause childhood cancer.
Diagnosis
Doctors use many tests to diagnose cancer and find out if it has spread to another part of the body (metastasis). Some tests may also determine which treatments may be the most effective. For most types of cancer, a biopsy or surgery to remove as much of the tumour as possible is the only way to make a definitive diagnosis. If a biopsy is not possible, the doctor may suggest other tests that will help make a diagnosis. Imaging tests may be used to find out whether the cancer has spread. In addition to a physical examination, the following tests may be used to diagnose childhood cancer: Biopsy A biopsy is the removal of a small amount of tissue for examination under a microscope. Other tests can suggest that cancer is present, but except for certain types of brain tumours, only a biopsy can make a definite diagnosis. The type of biopsy performed depends on the location of the cancer. The sample removed during the biopsy is analysed by a pathologist. A pathologist is a doctor who specialises in interpreting laboratory tests and evaluating cells, tissues and organs to diagnose disease. Bone Marrow Aspiration and Biopsy These two procedures are similar and often done at the same time to examine the bone marrow. Bone marrow has both a solid and a liquid part. A bone marrow aspiration removes a sample of the fluid with a needle. A bone marrow biopsy is the removal of a small amount of solid tissue using a needle. The samples are then analysed by a pathologist. A common site for a bone marrow aspiration and biopsy is the pelvic bone, which is located in the lower back by the hip. The skin in that area is usually numbed with medication beforehand, and other types of anaesthesia may be used. Computed Tomography (CT) Scan A CT scan creates a three-dimensional picture of the insides of the body with an x-ray machine. A computer then combines these images into a detailed, cross-sectional view that shows any abnormalities or tumours. A CT scan can also be used to measure the tumour size. Sometimes, a special dye called a contrast medium is given before the scan to provide better detail on the image. This dye can be injected into a patient’s vein or given as a pill to swallow. Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) An MRI uses magnetic fields, not x-rays, to produce detailed images of the body. MRI can also be used to measure the tumour size. A special dye called a contrast medium is given before the scan to create a clearer picture. This dye can be injected into a patient’s vein or given as a pill to swallow. Positron Emission Tomography (PET) Scan A PET scan is a way to create pictures of organs and tissues inside the body. A small amount of a radioactive sugar substance is injected into the patient’s body. This sugar substance is taken up by cells that use the most energy. Because cancerous cells tend to use energy actively, they absorb more of the radioactive substance. A scanner then detects this substance to produce images of the inside of the body.
Treatment
Surgery Surgery is the removal of the tumors, either cancerous or non-cancerous, and surrounding tissue during an operation. Many children with a tumour will need surgery at some point during their treatment. A surgical oncologist is a doctor who specialises in treating a tumour using surgery. The goal of surgery is to remove the entire tumour and the margin (tissue around the tumour), leaving a negative margin (no cancer in the healthy tissue). For most childhood tumours, there is a microscopic amount of tumour left after surgery. Doctors will recommend chemotherapy, radiation therapy or other treatments for the remaining tumour. Chemotherapy Chemotherapy is the use of drugs to destroy cancer cells, usually by stopping the cancer cell’s ability to grow and divide. Chemotherapy is given by a paediatric oncologist, a doctor who specialises in treating children with cancer. Systemic chemotherapy is delivered through the bloodstream to reach cancer cells throughout the body. Common ways to give chemotherapy include an intravenous (IV) tube placed into a vein, muscle, spinal fluid or under the skin using a needle, or in a pill or capsule that is swallowed (orally). A chemotherapy regimen (schedule) usually consists of a specific number of cycles given over a set period of time. A patient may receive one drug at a time or combinations of different drugs at the same time. Radiation Therapy Immunotherapy, also called biologic therapy, is designed to boost the body’s natural defences to fight cancer. It uses materials made either by the body or in a laboratory to improve, target or restore immune system function. Examples of immunotherapy include cancer vaccines, monoclonal antibodies and interferons. Radiation therapy is the use of high-energy x-rays or other particles such as photons to destroy cancer cells. A doctor who specialises in giving radiation therapy to treat cancer is called a radiation oncologist. The most common type of radiation treatment is called external-beam radiation therapy, which is radiation given from a machine outside the body. When radiation treatment is given using implants, it is called internal radiation therapy or brachytherapy. A radiation therapy regimen usually consists of a specific number of treatments given over a set period of time. Immunotherapy Immunotherapy, also called biologic therapy, is designed to boost the body’s natural defences to fight cancer. It uses materials made either by the body or in a laboratory to improve, target or restore immune system function. Examples of immunotherapy include cancer vaccines, monoclonal antibodies and interferons. Stem Cell Transplantation/Bone Marrow Transplantation: A stem cell transplant is a medical procedure in which bone marrow that contains cancer is replaced by highly specialised cells, called hematopoietic stem cells that develop into healthy bone marrow. Hematopoietic stem cells are blood-forming cells found both in the bloodstream and in the bone marrow. Today, this procedure is more commonly called a stem cell transplant, rather than bone marrow transplant, because it is the stem cells in the blood that are typically being transplanted, not the actual bone marrow tissue.
166 replies on “Pediatric Oncology”
Lovely just what I was searching for.Thanks to the author for taking his clock time on this one.
I read your article carefully, it helped me a lot, I hope to see more related articles in the future. thanks for sharing.
I¦ve been exploring for a little for any high-quality articles or weblog posts on this sort of area . Exploring in Yahoo I at last stumbled upon this site. Studying this information So i am satisfied to express that I’ve a very just right uncanny feeling I found out exactly what I needed. I most without a doubt will make sure to do not forget this site and give it a glance on a relentless basis.
This is one awesome post.Really looking forward to read more. Keep writing.
I cannot thank you enough for the blog. Really Great.
I value the blog.Really looking forward to read more.
Awesome blog post.Really thank you! Really Great.
Great, thanks for sharing this post.Really thank you! Awesome.
Thank you ever so for you article.Much thanks again. Great.
wow, awesome blog. Really Cool.
Muchos Gracias for your blog article. Really Cool.
I cannot thank you enough for the blog article.Really looking forward to read more. Awesome.
Great article.Thanks Again. Want more.
Muchos Gracias for your post.Thanks Again. Really Cool.
I really enjoy the blog. Will read on…
I appreciate you sharing this article post.Thanks Again. Keep writing.
Wow, great article.Much thanks again. Will read on…
Very good article post.Really looking forward to read more.
Wow, great blog article.Really looking forward to read more. Fantastic.
I really liked your post.Much thanks again. Cool.
This is one awesome blog.Really thank you! Much obliged.
Thanks so much for the post.Thanks Again. Really Great.
I cannot thank you enough for the article.Much thanks again. Want more.
A big thank you for your article.Thanks Again. Keep writing.
I value the blog.Really looking forward to read more. Fantastic.
I love your blog.. very nice colors & theme. Did you create this website yourself? Plz reply back as I’m looking to create my own blog and would like to know wheere u got this from. thanks
Thank you for your blog article.Really looking forward to read more. Cool.
Really informative article.Really looking forward to read more. Want more.
A formidable share, I just given this onto a colleague who was doing a little bit evaluation on this. And he actually purchased me breakfast as a result of I discovered it for him.. smile. So let me reword that: Thnx for the treat! But yeah Thnkx for spending the time to debate this, I really feel strongly about it and love studying more on this topic. If potential, as you turn out to be expertise, would you thoughts updating your weblog with more details? It is extremely helpful for me. Huge thumb up for this weblog post!
Thanks so much for the blog post.Much thanks again. Cool.
Can you be more specific about the content of your article? After reading it, I still have some doubts. Hope you can help me.
Thanks again for the article post.Much thanks again.
I think this is a real great blog.Much thanks again. Fantastic.
Very neat post. Will read on…
Hey, thanks for the blog post. Want more.
Wow, great blog article. Great.
Say, you got a nice blog post.Really looking forward to read more. Want more.
Im thankful for the post.Really thank you! Really Cool.
Thanks so much for the blog.Really looking forward to read more. Keep writing.
I really enjoy the article post.Really thank you! Fantastic.
A big thank you for your blog post. Cool.
Really appreciate you sharing this post.Much thanks again. Want more.
wow, awesome article post. Much obliged.
Highly energetic article, I liked that bit. Will there be a part 2?
Thanks a lot for the article.Really thank you! Will read on…
Thanks-a-mundo for the blog post.Much thanks again. Cool.
Major thankies for the blog article.Thanks Again. Great.
I truly appreciate this article.Thanks Again. Keep writing.
I am so grateful for your article.Really looking forward to read more. Really Great.
This is one awesome blog post.Much thanks again.
Woh I love your articles, saved to bookmarks! .
Really enjoyed this article.Really thank you! Cool.
Thanks so much for the blog.Much thanks again. Fantastic.
Muchos Gracias for your blog.Really thank you! Want more.
Usually I don’t learn post on blogs, but I wish to say that this write-up very pressured me to try and do it! Your writing taste has been surprised me. Thank you, very great post.
Aw, this was a very good post. Taking the time and actual effort to produce a top notch article… but what can I say… I hesitate a lot and don’t seem to get nearly anything done.
Enjoyed every bit of your post.Really looking forward to read more. Want more.
I quite like reading through an article that will make men and women think.Also, many thanks for permitting me to comment!
Wow that was unusual. I just wrote an really long comment but after I clicked submit my comment didn’t appear. Grrrr… well I’m not writing all that over again. Regardless, just wanted to say superb blog!
Greetings! Very useful advice within this article! It is the little changes thatwill make the largest changes. Thanks for sharing!
I really enjoy the blog post.Much thanks again.
It’s an amazing piece of writing in favor of all the online viewers; they will obtain benefit from it I am sure.
I want to to thank you for this wonderful read!! I absolutely enjoyed every bit of it. I have got you book-marked to check out new stuff you post…
Thank you for every other wonderful article. The place else may just anyone get that type of information in such an ideal way of writing? I have a presentation next week, and I’m on the look for such information.
Awesome blog.Really looking forward to read more. Fantastic.
HAVE A FREE CONSULTATION NOW
I blog often and I genuinely appreciate your information. This great article has truly peaked my interest. I will take a note of your blog and keep checking for new information about once a week. I subscribed to your RSS feed too.
Your point of view caught my eye and was very interesting. Thanks. I have a question for you. https://accounts.binance.com/ro/register-person?ref=T7KCZASX
Thanks-a-mundo for the post.Really looking forward to read more. Want more.
Really appreciate you sharing this article post.Really looking forward to read more. Want more.
I appreciate you sharing this blog post.Thanks Again. Really Cool.
I think this is a real great blog post. Fantastic.
amoxicillin-clav amoxicillin without rx amoxicillin dosage for tooth infection how does amoxicillin work
Your style is so unique compared to other folks I’ve read stuff from. I appreciate you for posting when you have the opportunity, Guess I’ll just book mark this blog.
Thank you for your sharing. I am worried that I lack creative ideas. It is your article that makes me full of hope. Thank you. But, I have a question, can you help me? https://www.binance.com/ka-GE/register?ref=FIHEGIZ8
This is one awesome blog.Thanks Again. Want more.
I have not checked in here for a while because I thought it was getting boring, but the last several posts are good quality so I guess I’ll add you back to my daily bloglist. You deserve it my friend 🙂
single women datingoscar pistorius dating anastassia khozissova
Awesome blog.Really looking forward to read more. Really Cool.
Hello my friend! I want to say that this article is amazing, nicewritten and come with approximately all vital infos.I would like to peer extra posts like this .
chloroquine walmart fda hydroxychloroquine dosage for hydroxychloroquine
I cannot thank you enough for the post. Great.
I’m a big supporter of this blog. I’ll return to see more soon. Thanks for making it.
Thanks for the good writeup. It if truth be told was once a enjoyment account it. Look complicated to more added agreeable from you! By the way, how can we communicate?
Thank you for some other fantastic post. Where else could anybody get that type of information in such a perfect manner of writing?I have a presentation subsequent week, and I am on the search forsuch information.
Nice answers in return of this question with real argumentsand telling all about that.
there are several different types of oil used on the jewels inside.
Really appreciate you sharing this article.Thanks Again. Will read on…
I enjoy what you guys are up too. This kind of clever work and coverage! Keep up the amazing works guys I’ve you guys to blogroll.
Very informative blog article.Really thank you! Cool.
I need to to thank you for this excellent read!! I absolutely enjoyed every bit of it. I’ve got you book-marked to check out new stuff you postÖ
stromectol for humans – ivmecticn ivermectin uk
Thanks so much for the article.Really looking forward to read more. Cool.
all the time i used to read smaller articles which also clear their motive, and that is also happening with this article which I am reading now.
An interesting discussion is worth comment. I believe that you ought to publish more on this issue, it might not be a taboo subject but usually people don’t discuss these issues. To the next! Kind regards!!
I really like and appreciate your article.Thanks Again.
Keep the ball for as long as possible by shielding it with your entire body.
An interesting discussion is definitely worth comment. I do think that you should publish more about this issue, it might not be a taboo subject but generally folks don’t talk about these issues. To the next! Many thanks!!
Major thankies for the article post. Awesome.
Im obliged for the article post. Fantastic.
Hi there! Do you know if they make any plugins to assist withSearch Engine Optimization? I’m trying to get my blog to rank for sometargeted keywords but I’m not seeing very good results. If you know of any please share.Thanks!
Really appreciate you sharing this blog post.Thanks Again. Really Great.
I grabbed hold of her wet hair and made Helen use her mouth to go up and down my dick pushing harder and faster.
This is a superb idea Particularly to All those new to the blogosphere. Short but really specific details… Thanks for sharing this a single. Essential read through publish!
Hello there! I just wish to give you a big thumbs up for your excellent info you’ve got here on this post. I am returning to your blog for more soon.
Right now it sounds like Movable Type is the top blogging platform available right now. (from what I’ve read) Is that what you are using on your blog?
A big thank you for your blog.Really thank you! Will read on…
I’ve just graduated how to take imodium It is also reassuring that while caesarean section rates increased over the decade, they remain close to the OECD average for developed countries,” he said.
Thanks for sharing. I read many of your blog posts, cool, your blog is very good.
There is visibly a package to understand about this. I think you made certain nice factors in attributes additionally.
I will immediately grab your rss as I can not find your email subscription link ore-newsletter service. Do you’ve any? Please let me recognise so that I may subscribe.Thanks.
erythromycin gel ciprofloxacin arthritis cephalexin breastfeeding
Hello, its pleasant post regarding medxia print, ԝе all know mddia iѕ a impressive sourceof data.mү homepagе; apk penambah jam tayang sama view
I loved your blog.Much thanks again.
I want to to thank you for this fantastic read!! I certainly loved every bit of it. I’ve got you book-marked to look at new things you postÖ
prednisone side effects prednisone for dogs prednisone taper
Fine way of telling, and pleasant post to obtain facts on the topicof my presentation focus, which i am goingto convey in university.
Really appreciate you sharing this blog post.Much thanks again. Much obliged.
Thank you, I’ve recently been searching for information about this topic for ages annd yours isthe best I have discovered so far. But, what about the bottomline? Are you sre about the source?
hi!,I like your writing very a lot! share we be in contact extra aboutyour post on AOL? I need an expert in this space to solve my problem.Maybe that’s you! Looking forward to peer you.
I love your writing style really enjoying this web site.
Its really a great and useful piece of info. I am glad that you shared this helpful info with us. Please keep us up to date like this. Thanks for sharing.
Your point of view caught my eye and was very interesting. Thanks. I have a question for you. https://accounts.binance.com/pt-BR/register-person?ref=DB40ITMB
The run up to Wednesday started in September and was 36 drawings extended, the longest in Powerball history.
I truly appreciate this post. I have been looking everywhere for this! Thank goodness I found it on Bing. You have made my day! Thanks again
Say, you got a nice article post.Thanks Again. Cool.
aralen medication hydroxychloroquine interactions
Well I really liked reading it. This tip provided by you is very effective for correct planning.
how much is ivermectin ivermectin for sale – п»їivermectin pills
Wow, great article post.Much thanks again. Keep writing.
Hi, just wanted to mention, I liked this post.It was inspiring. Keep on posting!
vay anasini sonunda bunu da yaptilar bee ??Loading…
Whats up! I just wish to give a huge thumbs up for the good info you’ve gotten right here on this post. I will be coming back to your blog for more soon.
I like reading through a post that will make men and women think.Also, many thanks for allowing for me to comment!
Ɗo you haave any vіdeo of that? I’dlove tߋ find ooutsome additional information.Feeel ffee to visit mү ƅlog post … poker pkv
Currently it appears like Expression Engine is the top blogging platform out there right now. (from what I’ve read) Is that what you are using on your blog?
This is one awesome article post.Thanks Again. Keep writing.
Article writing is also a fun, if you be acquainted withthen you can write if not it is complicated to write.
Great, thanks for sharing this blog article.Much thanks again. Really Cool.
I really like and appreciate your blog post.Really looking forward to read more. Great.
Hi, everything is going perfectly here and ofcourse every one is sharing facts, that’s in fact good, keep up writing.
Enjoyed every bit of your blog.Thanks Again. Will read on…
What is the best way to copyright the content of an online blog?
Hello There. I found your blog the usage of msn. This is a really smartly written article. I will be sure to bookmark it and come back to read extra of your helpful info. Thanks for the post. I’ll certainly return.
wow, awesome blog article.Really thank you!
Heya i am for the primary time here. I came across this board and I find It really helpful & it helped me out a lot. I am hoping to present one thing back and aid others such as you aided me.
legit mexican pharmacy: canadian pharmacy meds – canadian pharmacy com
Thanks again for the article post. Cool.
You could certainly see your skills within the paintings you write. The sector hopes for more passionate writers such as you who aren’t afraid to say how they believe. All the time follow your heart.
Well I definitely enjoyed reading it. This post provided by you is very effective for correct planning.
I truly appreciate this post.Much thanks again. Will read on…
topical ivermectin for ear mites in cats pour on ivermectin for cats
Thank you ever so for you article. Want more.
Im obliged for the post. Keep writing.
There’s definately a lot to know about this issue. I really like all the points you’ve made.
Really informative post.Much thanks again. Keep writing.
There is perceptibly a bundle how to burn fat knowabout this. I suppose you made certain good points in features also.
Whoa! This blog looks just like my old one! It’s on aentirely different subject but it has pretty much the same layout and design.Excellent choice of colors!
Thanks so much for the post. Cool.
Looking forward to reading more. Great blog article.Thanks Again. Awesome.
I do not even understand how I ended up right here, however I thought this submit used to be great.I don’t realize who you’re however certainly you are going to a well-known blogger when you are not already.Cheers!
Your style is so unique compared to other folks I’ve read stuff from. Thank you for posting when you’ve got the opportunity, Guess I’ll just bookmark this blog.
I think this is a real great blog post.Thanks Again. Really Great.
Looking forward to reading more. Great blog post.Much thanks again. Awesome.
This is a very good tip particularly to those new to the blogosphere. Brief but very accurate information… Thanks for sharing this one. A must read article!
stromectol tablets uk ivermectin generic cream