Childhood Cancer
Introduction:
Cancer is a broad term given to a collection of related diseases involving the abnormal growth and division of cells in an uncontrolled way with the potential to invade nearing tissue or spread to other parts of the body.
Childhood Cancer:
Childhood cancers display differences from adult cancers. This is because the parts of the body that are likely to be affected in children and adults are different. Childhood cancers affect children of all ages and races. As a result of modern developments in treatment options, more children survive cancer than ever before.
The most common types of cancer among children:
- Leukemia.
- Brain cancer.
- Other central nervous system tumors.
- Lymphoma
These types of cancers have been diagnosed mostly in children, and only a small percentage of adults.
The most common types of cancer among Saudi children of both genders (latest statistic was conducted in 2014):
- Leukemia (34.6%).
- Brain and nervous system cancers (15.1%).
- Hodgkin lymphoma (11%).
- Non-Hodgkin lymphoma (7%).
- Kidney cancer (6.4%).
- Bone cancer (6.1%).
- Sarcoma (3.9%).
- Eye cancer (3.3%).
- Adrenal cancer (2.6%).
- Liver cancer (2.3%).
Cause:
The cause of childhood cancer is still unknown, but in some cases cancer develops due to genetic abnormalities.
Symptoms:
The symptoms depend on the type of cancer, its stage, and its effect on other parts of the child's body.
Diagnosis:
- Laboratory tests, including blood and urine tests.
- Ultrasound scans
- X-ray scans
- MRI scans
- Biopsy.
The purpose of the diagnosis is to detect cancer, determine its type, as well as where it has spread (stage).
Childhood Cancer Treatment:
Childhood cancers are not always treated like adult cancers. The types of treatments that can be administered to a child depend on the cancer's type and stage. Common treatments include:
- Surgery.
- Chemotherapy.
- Radiation therapy.
- Stem cell and bone marrow transplant.
Doctors may give the child one or more of these treatments. The side effects of each type of treatment should be discussed with the doctor.
To learn more:
Childhood Cancer.pdf