All You Need To Know About Childhood Cancers

26 Aug, 2024

Dr. Rajesh Bollam

Childhood Cancers are rare, But should not be ignored because they may even be fatal. While the symptoms are different from those connected to adult cancers, accurate diagnosis is important.

CAUSES OF CHILDHOOD CANCERS:

Various cancers are caused by various risk factors:

LIFESTYLE:

Unchecked lifestyle choices made as children, such as being overweight, not getting enough exercise, having careless eating habits, and so on, may have an effect on them later in life.

ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS:

Numerous forms of childhood malignancies can be brought on by radiation exposure. Because they are passive smokers(if parents are chain smokers), they can occasionally contract diseases.

CHANGES IN GENES:

Unknowingly, cells can develop into cancerous cells due to specific alterations in their DNA. These genetic mutations can be inherited from either parent and can occasionally raise the chance of developing specific cancers.

DEVELOPMENT IN THE WOMB:

Rarely, cancerous tissues may form in a developing child while they are still in the womb. These cells do not divide when they are in the womb. They develop into cancerous cells when a child reaches the age of three or four years old.

EXPOSURE TO RADIATION AND CHEMOTHERAPY:

Children who have received chemotherapy and radiation treatment may occasionally be at risk for acquiring another type of cancer in the future, even after they have been fully cured of their original disease. Although there's just a chance, taking preventative measures and doing routine examinations can assist assure prompt action by closely monitoring a child's health.

SYMPTOMS OF CHILDHOOD CANCER:

When individuals are not careful in identifying symptoms and promptly seeking assistance, diagnosis can often be delayed.

Although children's health naturally fluctuates as they grow older, if you see more than one of these, please see your doctor right away and take the appropriate action.

lUnusual swelling or lump in the armpits, chest, abdomen, neck, or pelvis

lPain or discomfort in those regions

lEasily tired out or low on energy

lEasily injured and bleeding

lStumbling for no apparent reason

lExhibiting strange behavior, such as prolonged crying, yelling, or delayed growth

lFeverish for extended periods of time and frequently feel ill

lVision is impacted

lSkin appears dull and pale

lInfections in the chest, throat, nose, or ears

Children under the age of fifteen are at risk for childhood cancers. Cancer is the second most common cause of death for children between the ages of one and one, after accidents.

TEST FOR DIAGNOSING CHILDHOOD CANCER:

BLOOD TESTS:It helps in identifying the many cell types present in the child's blood. Determining the type of cancer will be aided by the presence or absence of specific cells.

BIOPSY: The only way to diagnose brain cancer is through a biopsy. There are other tests to assist identify anything unusual for other cancers. The location of the tumor determines what kind of biopsy is necessary.

BONE MARROW ASPIRATION AND BIOPSY: The purpose of these tests is to examine and analyze the fatty tissue called bone marrow that is located inside the bigger bones. After being inspected, the marrow samples are evaluated.

A number of techniques, including position imaging tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, ultrasound, compound tomography, lumbar puncture, and radioisotope scans, can be used to precisely identify and diagnose the type of condition.

TREATMENTS OF CHILDHOOD CANCERS:

More than 70% of this illness's varieties are treatable with advanced

Among the treatments are:

Chemotherapy
Radiation
Surgery
Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation
Gene therapy
Multimodal therapy

Foods, Diet and Nutrition:

A child's health can be greatly influenced by what they consume before, during, and after treatment. You can create a meal plan that supports a child's immune system and avoids foods that are hard for them to digest with the assistance of a reliable nutritionist. Additionally, it improves a child's attitude by keeping them positive and willing.

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All You Need To Know About Childhood Cancers

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