Childhood cancers

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Childhood cancers

Childhood cancers (pronunciation: /ˈtʃaɪldˌhʊd ˈkænsərz/) are a group of cancers that occur in children, typically defined as those diagnosed before the age of 18. These cancers can occur anywhere in the body, including the blood and bone marrow, brain and spinal cord, and the kidneys.

Etymology

The term "childhood cancers" is derived from the English words "childhood", referring to the period of life from birth to adolescence, and "cancers", referring to diseases characterized by the uncontrolled growth and spread of abnormal cells.

Types of Childhood Cancers

There are several types of childhood cancers, including:

  • Leukemia: This is the most common type of cancer in children. It affects the child's blood and bone marrow.
  • Brain and spinal cord tumors: These are the second most common cancers in children.
  • Neuroblastoma: This cancer starts in the adrenal glands, which sit on top of the kidneys. It can also develop in nerve tissue along the spine, chest, abdomen, or pelvis.
  • Wilms tumor: This is a kidney cancer that is most often found in children aged 3 to 4 years.
  • Rhabdomyosarcoma: This cancer starts in the cells that normally develop into skeletal muscles. It can start nearly any place in the body, including the head and neck, groin, belly, or pelvis.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of childhood cancers typically involves a combination of history taking, physical examination, laboratory testing, and imaging studies. In some cases, a biopsy may be necessary to confirm the diagnosis.

Treatment

Treatment for childhood cancers depends on the type and stage of the cancer and may include a combination of surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and/or immunotherapy.

Prognosis

The prognosis for childhood cancers varies widely depending on the type and stage of the cancer, the child's overall health, and other factors. However, advances in treatment have significantly improved survival rates for many types of childhood cancers.

See also

External links

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