Advances in Pediatric Research
Open Access

Brief Note on Symptoms of Cancer in Children

John Bizzi^{* *}Correspondence: John Bizzi, Department of Pediatrics, Texas Children's Hospital, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA, Email:

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Description

Leukemia, brain and nerve system malignancies, neuroblastoma, Wilms tumour, and lymphomas are the most prevalent types of pediatric cancer. Many of these diseases have symptoms in children that are similar to those of other common childhood illnesses like the flu and other viruses, making it difficult to spot them early. However, there are seven frequent signs of pediatric cancer that parents should be aware of, especially if the symptoms length, intensity, or progression is odd.

Fevers

Fevers in children are common, and they are frequently accompanied by runny noses, coughing, vomiting, and diarrhoea. Fevers in children that come and go without a clear underlying reason, on the other hand, can be a symptom of something more serious going on in the body. Undiagnosed fevers are common indicators of pediatric leukemia. Wilms tumour and lymphomas are two other childhood malignancies that might appear with fevers.

Bone and joint pain

Children are usually quite active, but when normal activity levels become too painful for them, it could be a sign of something more serious. The proliferation of malignant cells in the bone marrow as a result of leukemia is frequently the source of discomfort. Neuroblastoma, which accounts for 7% of all pediatric cancer occurrences according to cancer statistics, can also cause pain in numerous parts of the body.

Nausea with or without unintended weight loss

Throughout much of their early infancy, healthy children continue to grow and acquire weight. When a child feels continuously sick, with vomiting or diarrhoea, and possibly unexpected weight loss, this is typically a sign of a serious underlying disease. Leukemia, brain and nerve system malignancies, neuroblastoma, Wilms tumour, and lymphomas are all examples of cancers that can appear with one of these symptoms.

Unusual swelling

Lymphoma is one of the most prevalent malignancies in children, and it often manifests as an expansion of a node in the neck, armpit. Swelling can also be caused by other malignancies, such as Wilms tumors, which are particularly common in the abdomen.

Excessive bleeding or bruising

Children that are healthy are active and frequently fall while playing, resulting in bruising. Children with a disease such as leukemia, on the other hand, may experience excessive bleeding, resulting in greater bruising than usual.

Weakness and fatigue

When a child is too tired for a lengthy period of time, it can be a sign of a health problem. Children who have been diagnosed with pediatric cancer frequently show signs of widespread weakness.

Headache and further neurological changes

According to pediatric cancer statistics, malignancies of the brain and nervous system are the second most common type of cancer in children. It's not uncommon for these to produce neurological alterations, such as vision problems, loss of balance, and severe headaches. It's critical to recognize and pay attention to the obvious signs. It's also a good idea to see a professional as soon as possible.

Palliative care

Physical symptoms and side effects, as well as emotional, social, and financial impacts, are all caused by cancer treatment. Palliative care is also known as supportive care, involves in handling of all of these side effects. It's a crucial element of every child's treatment, and it's included alongside medicines to delay, stop, or eliminate cancer.

Palliative care aims to improve your child's quality of life throughout treatment by addressing symptoms and assisting patients and their families with non-medical needs. This form of treatment is available to everybody, regardless of age, cancer type, or stage. And its utmost useful when started rapidly after a cancer diagnosis. People who receive palliative care as part of their cancer therapy have less severe side effects, a higher quality of life, and are more satisfied with their treatment. Tablets, nutritious adjustments, relaxation techniques, emotional and spiritual care, and other treatments are conjoint in palliative treatments. Kids may also get palliative treatments such as chemotherapy, surgery, or radiation therapy, which are similar to those used to treat cancer.

Before starting treatment, discuss the purposes of each treatment in the treatment plan with doctor. Everyone should also discuss the treatment plan's potential negative effects as well as palliative care options.