Childhood cancer: Difference between revisions
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[[File:Pediatric_patients_receiving_chemotherapy.jpg|Pediatric patients receiving chemotherapy|thumb]] [[File:Yellow_silage_bales_in_Heden_3.jpg|Yellow silage bales in Heden 3|thumb | {{SI}} | ||
{{Infobox medical condition | |||
| name = Childhood cancer | |||
| image = [[File:Trying_out_hats_to_wear_after_chemotherapy_-_cropped.jpg|250px]] | |||
| caption = A child trying out hats to wear after [[chemotherapy]] | |||
| field = [[Oncology]] | |||
| symptoms = Varies by type; may include [[fatigue (medical)|fatigue]], [[pain]], [[fever]], [[weight loss]] | |||
| complications = [[Metastasis]], [[treatment side effects]] | |||
| onset = Typically under age 15 | |||
| duration = Varies | |||
| causes = Mostly unknown; some genetic factors | |||
| risks = [[Genetic predisposition]], [[radiation exposure]], [[certain infections]] | |||
| diagnosis = [[Medical imaging]], [[biopsy]], [[blood tests]] | |||
| differential = Other [[pediatric diseases]] | |||
| prevention = Limited; avoid known risk factors | |||
| treatment = [[Chemotherapy]], [[radiation therapy]], [[surgery]], [[stem cell transplant]] | |||
| prognosis = Varies by type and stage; generally improving | |||
| frequency = Rare; approximately 1 in 285 children in the US | |||
| deaths = Leading cause of disease-related death in children | |||
}} | |||
[[File:Pediatric_patients_receiving_chemotherapy.jpg|Pediatric patients receiving chemotherapy|left|thumb]] [[File:Yellow_silage_bales_in_Heden_3.jpg|Yellow silage bales in Heden 3|left|thumb]] '''Childhood cancer''' refers to a range of [[cancer]]s that occur in children. The most common types of childhood cancers include [[leukemia]], [[brain tumors]], [[lymphomas]], and solid tumors, such as [[neuroblastoma]] and [[Wilms tumor]]. Unlike adult cancers, the causes of childhood cancers are not strongly linked to lifestyle or environmental factors, but rather to genetic mutations and developmental issues during [[pregnancy]] or early life. | |||
==Types of Childhood Cancer== | ==Types of Childhood Cancer== | ||
===Leukemia=== | ===Leukemia=== | ||
Leukemia is the most common type of cancer in children, accounting for about 30% of all childhood cancers. It is a cancer of the [[blood]] and [[bone marrow]] and is classified mainly into [[Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL)]] and [[Acute myeloid leukemia (AML)]]. | Leukemia is the most common type of cancer in children, accounting for about 30% of all childhood cancers. It is a cancer of the [[blood]] and [[bone marrow]] and is classified mainly into [[Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL)]] and [[Acute myeloid leukemia (AML)]]. | ||
===Brain and Central Nervous System Tumors=== | ===Brain and Central Nervous System Tumors=== | ||
Brain tumors are the second most common cancers in children. These tumors can occur in various parts of the [[brain]] and [[central nervous system]], affecting its function. The most common types include [[medulloblastoma]], [[glioma]], and [[ependymoma]]. | Brain tumors are the second most common cancers in children. These tumors can occur in various parts of the [[brain]] and [[central nervous system]], affecting its function. The most common types include [[medulloblastoma]], [[glioma]], and [[ependymoma]]. | ||
===Lymphomas=== | ===Lymphomas=== | ||
Lymphomas affect the [[lymphatic system]], which is part of the immune system. The two main types of lymphoma are [[Hodgkin lymphoma (HL)]] and [[Non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL)]], with NHL being more common in children. | Lymphomas affect the [[lymphatic system]], which is part of the immune system. The two main types of lymphoma are [[Hodgkin lymphoma (HL)]] and [[Non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL)]], with NHL being more common in children. | ||
===Solid Tumors=== | ===Solid Tumors=== | ||
Solid tumors can occur in any organ or tissue, excluding the brain and bone marrow. Notable examples include [[neuroblastoma]], which starts in the adrenal glands, and [[Wilms tumor]], a kidney cancer. | Solid tumors can occur in any organ or tissue, excluding the brain and bone marrow. Notable examples include [[neuroblastoma]], which starts in the adrenal glands, and [[Wilms tumor]], a kidney cancer. | ||
==Causes and Risk Factors== | ==Causes and Risk Factors== | ||
The exact causes of childhood cancer are largely unknown. However, some genetic conditions, such as [[Down syndrome]], and prenatal exposure to radiation or certain chemicals, can increase the risk. Most childhood cancers are believed to result from random mutations in the genes of growing cells. | The exact causes of childhood cancer are largely unknown. However, some genetic conditions, such as [[Down syndrome]], and prenatal exposure to radiation or certain chemicals, can increase the risk. Most childhood cancers are believed to result from random mutations in the genes of growing cells. | ||
==Diagnosis and Treatment== | ==Diagnosis and Treatment== | ||
Diagnosis of childhood cancer often involves a combination of [[blood tests]], [[imaging tests]] (such as [[MRI]] or [[CT scans]]), and [[biopsies]]. Treatment varies by the type and stage of cancer and may include [[chemotherapy]], [[radiation therapy]], [[surgery]], and [[stem cell transplant]]. | Diagnosis of childhood cancer often involves a combination of [[blood tests]], [[imaging tests]] (such as [[MRI]] or [[CT scans]]), and [[biopsies]]. Treatment varies by the type and stage of cancer and may include [[chemotherapy]], [[radiation therapy]], [[surgery]], and [[stem cell transplant]]. | ||
==Prognosis== | ==Prognosis== | ||
The prognosis for childhood cancer has improved significantly over the past few decades, with the overall five-year survival rate now exceeding 80%. However, survival rates vary widely depending on the type of cancer and its stage at diagnosis. Long-term side effects of treatment, including secondary cancers, heart and lung problems, and growth and developmental delays, are concerns for survivors. | The prognosis for childhood cancer has improved significantly over the past few decades, with the overall five-year survival rate now exceeding 80%. However, survival rates vary widely depending on the type of cancer and its stage at diagnosis. Long-term side effects of treatment, including secondary cancers, heart and lung problems, and growth and developmental delays, are concerns for survivors. | ||
==Research and Support== | ==Research and Support== | ||
Ongoing research aims to improve the understanding, diagnosis, and treatment of childhood cancers. Support for affected families is available through various [[non-profit organizations]] and [[support groups]], which provide resources, counseling, and assistance with navigating the healthcare system. | Ongoing research aims to improve the understanding, diagnosis, and treatment of childhood cancers. Support for affected families is available through various [[non-profit organizations]] and [[support groups]], which provide resources, counseling, and assistance with navigating the healthcare system. | ||
[[Category:Oncology]] | [[Category:Oncology]] | ||
[[Category:Pediatrics]] | [[Category:Pediatrics]] | ||
[[Category:Childhood cancer]] | [[Category:Childhood cancer]] | ||
{{medicine-stub}} | {{medicine-stub}} | ||
Latest revision as of 01:50, 5 April 2025
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| Childhood cancer | |
|---|---|
| |
| Synonyms | N/A |
| Pronounce | N/A |
| Specialty | N/A |
| Symptoms | Varies by type; may include fatigue, pain, fever, weight loss |
| Complications | Metastasis, treatment side effects |
| Onset | Typically under age 15 |
| Duration | Varies |
| Types | N/A |
| Causes | Mostly unknown; some genetic factors |
| Risks | Genetic predisposition, radiation exposure, certain infections |
| Diagnosis | Medical imaging, biopsy, blood tests |
| Differential diagnosis | Other pediatric diseases |
| Prevention | Limited; avoid known risk factors |
| Treatment | Chemotherapy, radiation therapy, surgery, stem cell transplant |
| Medication | N/A |
| Prognosis | Varies by type and stage; generally improving |
| Frequency | Rare; approximately 1 in 285 children in the US |
| Deaths | Leading cause of disease-related death in children |
Childhood cancer refers to a range of cancers that occur in children. The most common types of childhood cancers include leukemia, brain tumors, lymphomas, and solid tumors, such as neuroblastoma and Wilms tumor. Unlike adult cancers, the causes of childhood cancers are not strongly linked to lifestyle or environmental factors, but rather to genetic mutations and developmental issues during pregnancy or early life.
Types of Childhood Cancer[edit]
Leukemia[edit]
Leukemia is the most common type of cancer in children, accounting for about 30% of all childhood cancers. It is a cancer of the blood and bone marrow and is classified mainly into Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) and Acute myeloid leukemia (AML).
Brain and Central Nervous System Tumors[edit]
Brain tumors are the second most common cancers in children. These tumors can occur in various parts of the brain and central nervous system, affecting its function. The most common types include medulloblastoma, glioma, and ependymoma.
Lymphomas[edit]
Lymphomas affect the lymphatic system, which is part of the immune system. The two main types of lymphoma are Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) and Non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL), with NHL being more common in children.
Solid Tumors[edit]
Solid tumors can occur in any organ or tissue, excluding the brain and bone marrow. Notable examples include neuroblastoma, which starts in the adrenal glands, and Wilms tumor, a kidney cancer.
Causes and Risk Factors[edit]
The exact causes of childhood cancer are largely unknown. However, some genetic conditions, such as Down syndrome, and prenatal exposure to radiation or certain chemicals, can increase the risk. Most childhood cancers are believed to result from random mutations in the genes of growing cells.
Diagnosis and Treatment[edit]
Diagnosis of childhood cancer often involves a combination of blood tests, imaging tests (such as MRI or CT scans), and biopsies. Treatment varies by the type and stage of cancer and may include chemotherapy, radiation therapy, surgery, and stem cell transplant.
Prognosis[edit]
The prognosis for childhood cancer has improved significantly over the past few decades, with the overall five-year survival rate now exceeding 80%. However, survival rates vary widely depending on the type of cancer and its stage at diagnosis. Long-term side effects of treatment, including secondary cancers, heart and lung problems, and growth and developmental delays, are concerns for survivors.
Research and Support[edit]
Ongoing research aims to improve the understanding, diagnosis, and treatment of childhood cancers. Support for affected families is available through various non-profit organizations and support groups, which provide resources, counseling, and assistance with navigating the healthcare system.
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