Childhood cancer: Patterns of spread and early symptoms of Leukaemia, brain tumours, lymphomas

Types of childhood cancer: The most common types of childhood cancers are leukaemia, brain tumours, and lymphomas (Image: Pexels)

Childhood cancer is a difficult disease, not just for the patients but also for their families. Unlike most adult cancers, common childhood cancers can grow quickly, and they can display very different symptoms. Early detection, therefore, is crucial. The most common are leukaemia, brain tumours and lymphomas, all of which exhibit their own symptoms, and patterns of spread.

Symptoms of leukaemia

Leukaemia, which is cancer of the blood or bone marrow, can show up as fatigue, recurrent infections, or easy bruising. Its other symptoms include brain tumours (headaches, nausea, vision trouble, balance issues) or lymphomas (cancers of the lymphatic system) that are usually painless swellings, continuing fevers or night sweats.

Also read | Childhood Cancer Awareness: Common types of childhood cancers and their signs

Awareness and early medical intervention, says Dr Raman Narang, Consultant - Medical Oncology at the CK Birla Hospital, Delhi, is crucial for treatment and management of the disease. Here's everything you need to know about the serious conditions.

Leukaemia (Cancer of the Blood)

• What is it: Leukemia starts in the bone marrow or blood. The most frequent type in children is acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). It changes the development and function of white blood cells.

• Symptoms of leukaemia: Children are extremely pale, exhausted all the time, and have frequent fevers or infections. They bruise or bleed easily (nosebleeds, gums bleed) and sometimes experience pain in a bone or joint.

• Distinguishing symptom: Systemic blood-related issues like unexplained bruising, repeated infections, pallor, and drowsiness are the distinguishing features.

Brain Tumours

• What is it: These cancers occur in the spinal cord or brain, and can impact simple functions like vision, balance, and memory. There are gliomas and medulloblastomas.

• Symptoms of brain tumours: Warning signs include morning headaches, recurrent vomiting, double vision or blurred vision, walking or balance difficulties, seizures (fits), and sudden changes in behaviour, learning, or coordination. The head size may grow rapidly, or a bulge may develop on the soft spot (fontanelle) at the top of the head in infants and toddlers.

• Distinguishing symptom: Watch out for repeated vomiting, headache, seizure, coordination issues, and visual complaints. All these are neurologic signs for the description of a brain tumour.

Lymphomas

• What is it: Lymphomas originate in the lymph system, which includes the lymph nodes. They are more frequent in adolescents of teenage and pre-teen ages, though they may affect children of younger age.

• Symptoms of lymphomas: Warning signs include persistent, painless swelling of lymph nodes in the neck, armpits or groin, pain or a chronic cough in the chest, fever, excessive night sweating and unexplained weight loss.

• Distinguishing symptom: Enlarged lymph nodes associated with "B symptoms"—fever, night sweats, and weight loss—characterise the lymphomas.

1. What are the most common types of childhood cancers?

The most common types of childhood cancers are leukaemia, brain tumours, and lymphomas.

2. Why is early detection important in childhood cancers?

Early detection is crucial because childhood cancers can develop rapidly and exhibit a wide range of symptoms, making timely medical intervention vital.

3. What are the symptoms of leukaemia in children?

Symptoms of leukaemia include fatigue, recurrent infections, easy bruising, nosebleeds, gum bleeding, and sometimes bone or joint pain.

4. How do brain tumours manifest in children?

Brain tumours may present with morning headaches, recurrent vomiting, double or blurred vision, difficulties with walking or balance, seizures, and behavioural or learning changes.

5. What are the warning signs of lymphomas in children?

Warning signs of lymphomas include persistent, painless swelling of lymph nodes in the neck, armpits, or groin, chest pain or chronic cough, fever, night sweats, and unexplained weight loss.

Disclaimer: This article, including health and fitness advice, only provides generic information. Don’t treat it as a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist for specific health diagnosis.