Paediatric cancer types, symptoms: Watch out for headaches, abdominal pain, fatigue, nausea and vomiting

Symptoms of pediatric cancer include persistent fever, unexplained weight loss, fatigue, pain, headaches, swelling. (Image: Canva)

Given its severe effects on young people and their families, paediatric cancer is still a major issue. Parents and other caregivers can feel more empowered if they are aware about the various forms of paediatric cancer, even if the path through diagnosis and treatment can be extremely difficult. For improved results and increased chances of recovery, early detection and awareness are essential.

Here are 5 types of paediatric cancer according to Dr Ushma Singh, director of pediatric oncology and hematology, Andromeda Cancer hospital, Sonipat

Leukaemia: Approximately thirty percent of paediatric cancers are leukaemia’s, making them the most frequent type of cancer in children. It starts in the bone marrow and produces aberrant white blood cells that can displace healthy blood cells. Anaemia, an increased risk of infections, and bleeding issues because of decreased platelet counts are the outcomes of this overproduction. Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia (ALL) and Acute Myeloid Leukaemia (AML) are the two primary forms of juvenile leukaemia.

Symptoms: Fatigue, frequent infections, unexplained bruising or bleeding, bone and joint pain, swollen lymph nodes.

Brain and central nervous system (CNS) tumors: Brain and central nervous system tumours rank second among childhood malignancies. These tumours can arise in many regions of the brain and spinal cord, the most common kinds being gliomas and medulloblastomas.

Symptoms: Headaches, nausea and vomiting, balance problems, vision, hearing, and speech issues, seizures.

Neuroblastoma: A type of cancer that mostly affects infants and early children, neuroblastoma is caused by undeveloped nerve cells. Although it can also grow in the nerve tissues along the spine, it usually begins in the adrenal glands.

Symptoms: Abdominal pain, a mass under the skin that isn’t tender, changes in bowel habits, difficulty breathing.

Wilms tumor: Nephroblastoma, another name for wilms tumour, is a kind of kidney cancer that primarily affects children between the ages of three and four. Usually, it appears as a painless lump in the abdomen.

Symptoms: Abdominal swelling or a lump, fever, nausea, blood in the urine, constipation.

Lymphoma: The lymphatic system is the site of lymphomas, which include non-Hodgkin and Hodgkin lymphomas. Non-Hodgkin lymphoma typically affects younger children, whereas Hodgkin lymphoma is more common in teens.

Symptoms: Swollen lymph nodes, fever, night sweats, weight loss, fatigue

Even though paediatric tumours present numerous difficulties, medical science has made enormous strides in improving the prognosis for many young patients. The battle against these diseases still depends heavily on early detection and public awareness. Results can be greatly affected by routine examinations and quick care to any odd symptoms. At Andromeda Cancer Hospital, our dedication rests in offering all-encompassing care and assistance to kids and their families facing serious illnesses.