Childhood Cancer Symptoms And Types in Children: Early Signs Every Parent Should Know

Childhood cancer refers to cancers that occur in children and teenagers. The most common types include leukemia, brain tumors, lymphoma, neuroblastoma, Wilms tumour, and bone cancer. Early signs of childhood cancer may include persistent fever, unexplained weight loss, frequent infections, swelling, bone pain, and extreme tiredness. Early diagnosis and treatment significantly improve survival rates.

What are Childhood (Paediatric) Cancers?

Childhood cancers are cancers that occur in infants, children, and teenagers.

Unlike adult cancers, Paediatric cancers are usually not linked to lifestyle choices that people make when they have cancer.

Most cancers develop because of changes in the body’s cells that occur during growth and development.

While paediatric cancer are relatively rare, it remains one of the leading causes of disease-related death in children with childhood cancer

Types of childhood cancer

1. Leukemia, which is a type of Blood Cancer

The most common childhood cancer is leukemia, which affects blood and bone marrow.

Symptoms of leukemia may include:

• infections
• Fever
• Tiredness
• skin
• Easy bruising
• Bone or joint pain

Many children with leukemia respond well to modern treatment for leukemia.

2. Brain and Spinal Cord Tumours

These are the second most common types of Paediatric cancers.

They develop in the brain or nervous system of children with brain and spinal cord.

Symptoms of brain and spinal cord tumours may include:

• Persistent headaches
• Vomiting
• Vision problems
• Difficulty walking
• Balance issues
• Seizures

Symptoms of brain and spinal cord tumours often depend on the tumour location in the brain or spinal cord.

3. Lymphoma

Lymphoma affects the system, which helps fight infections in children.

There are two types of lymphoma:

• Hodgkin Lymphoma
• Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma

Symptoms of lymphoma may include:

• Swollen lymph nodes
• Fever
• Night sweats
• Weight loss
• Tiredness

4. Neuroblastoma

Neuroblastoma is a tumour developed from nerve cells in children.

It usually affects children with neuroblastoma.

Symptoms of neuroblastoma may include:

• Lump in the abdomen
• Swelling
• Bone pain
• Loss of appetite

5. Wilms Tumour

Wilms tumour affects the kidneys. It is usually seen in young children less than 5 years of age.

Symptoms of Wilms tumour may include:

• Swelling in the abdomen
• Abdominal pain
• Blood in urine
• Fever

6. Bone Cancers

Bone cancers can affect growing children and teenagers with bone cancer.

Common types of bone cancer include:

• Osteosarcoma
• Ewing Sarcoma

Symptoms of bone cancer may include:

• Bone pain
• Swelling near a bone
• Limping
• Fractures without major injury

Paediatric Cancer at a Glance

Type Of Paediatric Cancer	Commonly Affects	Symptoms of Paediatric cancer
Leukemia	Blood and bone marrow	Fever, tiredness, bruising
Brain Tumours	Brain and nervous system	Headaches vomiting seizures
Lymphoma	Lymph nodes	Swollen glands, fever
Neuroblastoma	Nerve tissue	Abdominal lump, weight loss
Wilms Tumour	Kidney	Abdominal swelling
Bone Cancer	Bones	Bone pain swelling

What Are the Warning Signs Parents Should Not Ignore When a Child has Cancer?

While many Paediatric illnesses cause similar symptoms as cancer parents should seek medical advice if a child has:

• Persistent fever
• Unexplained weight loss
• Frequent infections
• Easy bruising or bleeding
• Persistent headaches
• Vomiting without a reason
• Swollen lymph nodes
• Ongoing bone pain
• Unusual. Swelling
• Extreme tiredness

These symptoms do not always mean cancer. They should be evaluated by a doctor who specializes in paediatric cancer, if symptoms are persistent.

Can Paediatric Cancer Be Treated?

Yes, Paediatric cancer can be completely cured.

Treatment depends on:

• The type of cancer
• The stage of disease
• The child’s age
• Overall health

Treatment for cancer may include:

• Chemotherapy
• Surgery
• Radiation therapy
• Targeted therapy/ Immunotherapy
• Bone marrow transplant

Many children go on to live healthy and fulfilling lives after treatment for Paediatric cancer.

Supporting a Child through the journey of Paediatric Cancer

Paediatric cancer affects the family, not just the child with cancer.

Children often need:

• Support
• Nutritional guidance
• School and social support
• Encouragement during treatment for cancer

Parents should remember that they are not alone when their child has cancer.

A dedicated paediatric cancer care team can help guide families through every stage of treatment for cancer.

Concerned about Your Child’s Symptoms of Cancer?

Early evaluation can make a difference when a child has  cancer

If your child has symptoms that concern you it is always better to seek medical advice rather than wait when you think your child may have cancer.

At MGM Cancer Institute, families have access to:

• Paediatric Hematology and oncology specialists who focus on childhood cancer
• diagnostic services for paediatric cancer
• Personalized treatment plans for paediatric cancer
• Bone marrow transplant expertise for blood disorders and cancers.
• Multidisciplinary paediatric cancer care
• Long term follow-up support for cancer

Book an appointment with our specialists today when you think your child may have paediatric cancer.

DOCTOR DETAILS:

Dr. G. Vimal Kumar

Senior Consultant

Paediatric Haematology, Oncology, Blood and Marrow Transplantation