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 the PCC Cancer Centre, Singapore, children can get cancer although it is not common. In developed countries, there are 120 - 160 cases of cancer per million children under 15 years old each year. That means about one 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 largely 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 the mother's unhealthy diet and lifestyle during pregnancy are the cause of cancer in children. However, experts assert that there is not enough evidence to show that external factors are related to childhood cancer, such as the mother's diet during pregnancy, vitamin K injections in newborns, vaccinations, electromagnetic fields, or high-voltage power lines near the residence.

Cancer in children is often very special, unlike that in adults. Even when the disease is the same, the biological characteristics and response to treatment between adults and children are very different.

In general, the outcome of childhood cancer is not as bad as that 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 the physical assessment, the child will need to undergo urine and blood tests, CT or X-rays, and have tumor tissue removed for microscopic examination to diagnose 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 best 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. Cancer treatment in children 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 the disease. Up to now, up to 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