What is cancer in children?

A disease like cancer does not distinguish ages and can occur in childhood or in old age. In this way, the rapid growth of malignant cells that form tumors and invade organs and tissues also occurs in children, and sometimes their appearance is unexplained. 

However, the development of some types of childhood cancer have been associated with different infections or with the carrier of a virus such as HIV, for example. However, it is important to consider that many types of cancer can be prevented through vaccination and many have a solution with timely diagnosis.

Among the most common types of cancer in children are:

• Leukemia.
• Rhabdomyosarcomas; muscle tumors.
• Bone cancer; affects the bones and joints.
• Hodgkin and non-Hodgkin lymphomas; cancer of the lymphatic and immune system.
• Brain and central nervous system tumors.
• Thyroid cancer; affects hormonal development.

Although the symptoms may be different depending on the type of cancer and its progress, the following usually appear:

• Nausea and vomiting.
• Unexplained weight loss.
• Behavioral changes.
• Blurred vision.
• Seizures.
• Unexplained swelling, lumps, and bruising.
• Excessive tiredness.
• Frequent headaches.
• Frequent and unexplained fevers.

The above are warning signs, but they can also appear with other conditions. In the event that your child suffers from any of them, see your ABC doctor as soon as possible.

The following tests are commonly performed:

• Physical examination of the patient.
• X-ray and computed tomography.
• Biopsy of affected tissues or organs.
• MRI. 
• Lumbar puncture.
• Blood tests.
• PET.

Frequently, cancer treatment consists of a combined strategy, which includes:

• Radiotherapy and chemotherapy; to neutralize malignant cells, reduce the size of the tumor, and relieve symptoms.
• Surgery; to remove the tumor.
• Targeted therapy; refers to targeting specific genes.
• Immunotherapy; to strengthen the immune system.
• Bone marrow transplant; to replace damaged cells and help make new ones.

At ABC Medical Center, doctors from different specialties work together to treat childhood cancer, so a highly specialized team of surgeons, oncologists, and radiologist oncologists will treat your child with the warmth and humane treatment that sets us apart.

ABC Cancer Center
High Specialty Surgery Center
Radiology and Molecular Imaging
Clinical Laboratory