Pediatric Cancer

There are many types of pediatric cancer; the most common forms are leukemia, lymphomas, and brain and central nervous system (CNS) tumors.

What is Pediatric Cancer?

Pediatric cancers are different from the cancers that develop in adults. While adult cancers can have strong environmental and lifestyle risk factors (such as smoking, poor diet, or exposure to radiation or certain chemicals), pediatric cancers are most often the result of gene mutations. These mutations change the DNA of the cells in the child’s body, causing the cells to grow rapidly out of control and in turn, develop cancer.

What are the different types of Pediatric Cancer?

The most common types of pediatric cancer include:

Bone cancer

Bone cancer – including osteosarcoma and Ewing sarcoma . Bone cancer can develop at any age and accounts for three percent of all pediatric cancers.

Brain

Brain and spinal cord tumors – including medulloblastomas. Brain and spinal cord tumors account for 26 percent of all pediatric cancers, making it the second most common childhood cancer. Brain tumors typically start in the lower parts of the brain.

Leukemia

Leukemia – including acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL) and acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Leukemia affects the bone marrow and blood, and spreads rapidly through the body. It accounts for 30 percent of all pediatric cancers, making it the most common cancer found in children.

Lymphoma

Lymphoma – including Hodgkin and non-Hodgkin. Typically starts in the lymph nodes (the bean-sized nodes in the neck, underarms and groin that help fight infection) and other lymph tissues. Hodgkin lymphoma accounts for three percent of childhood cancers. Non-Hodgkin lymphoma accounts for five percent of childhood cancers.

Neuroblastoma

Neuroblastoma – This type of cancer starts in very early forms of nerve cells that form during development. Neuroblastoma accounts for six percent of pediatric cancers.

Retinoblastoma

Retinoblastoma – cancer of the eye that is typically found because the child’s eye looks unusual. Retinoblastoma accounts for two percent of pediatric cancers and is most commonly seen in children under two years old.

Rhabdomyosarcoma

Rhabdomyosarcoma – the most common soft tissue sarcoma in children, this type of cancer starts in cells that normally develop into muscles. Rhabdomyosarcoma accounts for three percent of pediatric cancers.

Wilms tumor

Wilms tumor – also known as nephroblastoma, this type of cancer affects the kidneys. Most often found in children between the ages of 3 and 4, and typically just affects one kidney. It accounts for five percent of pediatric cancers.

What are the signs and symptoms of Pediatric Cancer?

Pediatric cancer can be hard to recognize, as symptoms are common to typical childhood illnesses and injuries. In general, pediatric cancer symptoms include: