PAEDIATRIC CANCER: A LOOK INTO THE ETIOLOGY

WHAT IS CANCER?

Cancer is a disease where cells change and grow in an abnormal way. A group of cells can form a tumour anywhere in the body. The tumour can be either benign or malignant. Cancer in children develops in different parts of their body to adults.

WHAT ARE TYPES OF CHILDREN'S CANCER?

There are many different types of cancer in children. The most common ones are discussed below. About one-third of all children’s cancers are leukaemia. The most common solid tumours are brain tumours.

• Leukaemia: It is cancer of the white blood cells. The symptoms of leukaemia include feeling tired, being pale, unusual bleeding and repeated infections. A blood test and a bone marrow biopsy are needed to diagnose leukaemia. There are four main types of leukaemia:
• Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia (ALL): cancer that causes overproduction of immature white blood cells, called lymphoblast or leukemic blasts
• Acute Myeloid Leukaemia (AML): A type of cancer that affects the blood and bone marrow. AML is characterised by an overproduction of immature white blood cells, called myeloblasts or leukemic blasts.
• Chronic Lymphocytic Leukaemia (CLL): A type of slow-growing leukaemia that affects developing B-lymphocytes (also known as B-cells).
• Chronic Myeloid Leukaemia (CML): A type of cancer that affects the blood and bone marrow. In CML the bone marrow produces too many white cells, called granulocytes.
• Brain Tumour: Cancer can grow in many parts of the brain. The symptoms of a brain tumour depend on where the tumour is located. The symptoms can include headaches, feeling sick or vomiting, seizures (fits), drowsiness and irritability. A range of tests needed to diagnose a brain tumour include a CT scan, MRI scan, blood tests and biopsy.
• Sarcoma: Sarcoma is cancer of the muscle and bone. There are two main types of sarcoma: soft tissue sarcoma and bone sarcoma. The symptoms of sarcoma depend on where the tumour is located. You may notice that your child has a lump, swelling or painful area. A range of different X-rays and biopsies may be needed to diagnose a sarcoma.
• Germ Cell Tumour: Germ cell tumours are cancers that develop in the cells that make eggs or sperm. Most germ cell tumours occur in the testicles or the ovaries but may appear in another part of your body as well. The symptoms usually include a lump. Different scans, X- rays and blood tests may be needed to diagnose it.
• Lymphoma: Lymphoma is cancer of the lymphatic system. The lymphatic system is part of your immune system. There are two main types of lymphoma: Hodgkin and non–Hodgkin lymphoma. The symptoms include a painless lump or swelling, night sweats and weight loss. A biopsy is usually needed to diagnose it.
• Liver Cancer: The symptoms of liver cancer include a lump or swelling in the tummy, weight loss, feeling sick (nausea) and vomiting. An ultrasound scan, MRI scan and blood tests may be needed to diagnose it.
• Neuroblastoma: Neuroblastoma is cancer of special nerve cells called neural crest cells. The symptoms include loss of appetite, tiredness and pain in the bones. Tests such as blood tests, urine tests and some specialised scans may be needed to diagnose it.
• Retinoblastoma: It is a rare tumour of the eye. The symptoms include a painful red eye, a squint, or the affected eye may appear white in a photograph. A diagnosis is usually made by examining the eye and other tests like blood tests, a lumber puncture, MRI and ultrasound scans.
• Wilms' Tumour: It is a type of kidney cancer. The symptoms include a swelling of the tummy, blood in the urine and weight loss. Urine and blood tests are needed to diagnose it.

WHY KIMS?

KIMS has gained its position as a premier paediatric cancer hospitals in Hyderabad, after its unapparelled commitment toward cancer treatment for paediatrics in Hyderabad Our paediatric oncology doctors in Hyderabad is comprised of world-renowned experts in paediatric cancer treatment. We're here to care for your child every step of the way, from diagnosis and treatment through survivorship and long-term follow-up.