Signs of cancer in children

Acute lymphoblastic leukemia is the most common type of cancer in children. Children with this disease will have a high fever, bruises on the body, a swollen neck, and feel tired easily.

According to experts at PCC Cancer Centre, Singapore, children can get cancer although it is not common. In developed countries, there are 120 - 160 cancer cases per million children under 15 years old each year. That means about 1 in 300 - 500 people get cancer before the age of 20.

Illustration: Health.

“Why do children get cancer?” is an unanswered question. For most children with cancer, doctors are almost unable to determine why they get the disease.

Many experts believe that childhood cancers may be related to genetic defects, chromosomal aberrations, immune system defects, viral infections such as Epstein-Barr, hepatitis B, and human immunodeficiency virus, radiation accidents, immunosuppressive drug treatments, or side effects from other anticancer treatments.

Many people fear that a mother's unhealthy diet and lifestyle during pregnancy are the cause of cancer in children. However, experts say there is not enough evidence to show that external factors are related to childhood cancer, such as a mother's diet during pregnancy, vitamin K injections in newborns, vaccinations, electromagnetic fields, or high-voltage power lines near the residence.

Childhood cancer is often very unique, unlike adult cancer. Even with the same type of cancer, the biological characteristics and response to treatment between adults and children are very different.

In general, the outcomes of childhood cancer are not as bad as those of adults. Therefore, applying knowledge of adult cancer to treat childhood cancer is completely inappropriate.

For children with cancer, medical examinations are needed to confirm the diagnosis and classification of the cancer and determine the extent (stage) of the disease. The results of the examination are very important in choosing the most appropriate treatment.

In addition to a physical examination, the child will need to undergo urine and blood tests, a CT scan or X-ray, and a biopsy of the tumor for microscopic examination to determine the pathology. In some cases, a bone marrow biopsy may be required.

Once the diagnosis has been confirmed and the cancer has been classified and staged, the doctor will decide on the optimal treatment or combination of treatments needed. Possible treatments include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or the use of other biological agents.

Children can tolerate current cancer treatments, but they need special care and support. Childhood cancer treatment can lead to immediate or latent complications, some of which, such as bleeding or infection, can be life-threatening. Children with cancer need to be treated in specialized medical centers with experienced medical staff and good treatment facilities.

The effectiveness of anti-cancer treatment in children depends on the main type of disease and the extent of its development. Up to now, 70 - 75% of children with cancer have been cured thanks to treatment according to modern rules with a team of experienced doctors and supporting equipment.

According to VnExpress