Pediatric Cancer : Early Warning Signs in Children

“Cancer has been rightly said to be the Emperor of All Maladies. Unfortunately, at times this Malady affects the children too,”  

Pediatric cancers account for around 3-5% of cancers in India. Unlike adults, cancers in children are not caused due to environmental or lifestyle factors. Instead, a genetic cause could be responsible in some of the cancers. Since children commonly suffer from illnesses, and are also prone to bruises and bumps the signs of cancer should be known to parents, to discriminate it from common problems. Moreover, screening tests for cancer are not commonly performed in children, thus it is by knowing the warning signs that one can ensure early detection and treatment of this deadly condition. 

Early Warning Signs of Pediatric Cancer

Early Warning Signs of Pediatric Cancer

Below, are some signs that should alert a parent that all may not be well with their child. In case of noticing any of the signs mentioned below, it is prudent to consult a pediatrician. 

• Unusual lump- Though children may present with bumps, lumps, and swelling every now and then due to injuries, a lump that does not improve with time needs attention. Such a lump or swelling can be in the soft tissues or bone (hard swelling). In many cases, it may not be associated with pain, which can lead to ignorance. However, care should be taken to consult a doctor for it as it could be cancerous.
• Unexplained Fatigue: Children are bundle of energies, and thus if they complain of unusual tiredness all the time then parents should get alert. Though, such fatigue can be common after an illness, or infection; if it persists after good health and adequate rest then it could be an indication of a serious underlying condition. Most common Pediatric cancers i.e. leukemias, present with fatigue, tiredness, lethargy.
• Unexplained Fever: If a child has a fever, the cause of which is unrecognized then it is worrisome. In case of a fever that continues for a few days, to weeks, or is recurrent without an obvious infection, then a doctor’s consultation should be taken.
• Unexplained weight loss: Though children may present with some weight loss during growth spurts, rapid or unexplained weight loss is a sign that should not be ignored. Parents may often worry about nutrition and food in such a case, however an obvious unexplained weight loss in a healthy child demands a checkup.
• Easy bruising or bleeding: Blood cancers disrupt the level of healthy blood cells, including platelets which can result in easy bleeds in kids. Frequent nosebleeds, gum bleeds, or bleeding in unusual areas such as the back, shoulder, and chest can be a signal of cancer.
• Persistent bone or joint pain: Pain can be a frequent complaint by children, however, pains that affect a child’s daily activities or sleep should be addressed professionally. There could be many other reasons for pain, but persistent bone or joint pain could also be of cancerous origin. Cancers of the bone, like osteosarcoma, can also result in unexplained fractures.
• Frequent headaches with vomiting: Frequent headaches with vomiting is a serious sign that indicates a raised intracranial pressure. This could be an early sign of brain tumors and should not be ignored.
• Vision change: Any sudden change in vision, blurry vision, or appearance of crossed eyes can be indicative of a brain tumor. Retinoblastoma, a tumor of the eye presents with changes like white patches in the eyes.

  Some other symptoms of cancer can also be, frequent infections ,increase in size of lymph nodes, pale skin, shortness of breath, and blood in urine. 

In case of presentation of any such symptoms, or any other unusual symptoms a pediatrician should be consulted. In case cancer is suspected, the pediatrician may refer the child to a pediatric hematologist and oncologist, who is the specialist to handle cancers in children. 

Commonly Prevalent Cancers in Children

Commonly Prevalent Cancers in Children

The most common cancers in children arise from the cells of growth and development. Of the many cancers that can affect children, the ones which are more common are mentioned below. 

Leukemia: is a cancer of blood and bone marrow, and counts for most common cancer in children. Overproduction of abnormal white blood cells outnumber other blood cells in this cancer which leads to a variety of symptoms. The most common types of leukemia in children are Acute Lymphoid Leukemia (ALL), and Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML) 

Some common signs of Leukemia include fatigue, frequent infections, easy bruising or gum pains, and swollen lymph nodes. 

Brain Tumors: There are many types of brain tumors, and together they account for 2nd most common pediatric cancer. Unsteady gait, vision change, headache with vomiting, dizziness, sudden seizures, and Bell’s palsy are some signs that can indicate an underlying brain tumor. 

Neuroblastoma: This tumour arises from immature nerve cells, and mostly affects children less than 5 years of age. Some signs that should warn for this cancer include, abdominal swelling, difficulty in breathing, and lumps under the skin. 

Lymphoma: These are the cancers of the lymphatic system and lymph nodes, and include Hodgkin’s Lymphoma and Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. Symptoms include Swollen lymph nodes, unexplained fever, and night sweats. 

Cancers in children can be very disheartening and challenging. The only way out is early diagnosis and the right approach to treatment by an expert. With early intervention and good supportive care, excellent outcomes can be achieved.