Pediatric cancer refers to cancers that occur in children and adolescents. These cancers result from DNA changes early in life and can develop in various parts of the body, including the blood, brain, bones, and organs.
– Significant and unexplained weight loss can be a sign of various types of pediatric cancer, including leukemia and lymphoma.
– A persistent or recurrent fever that is not associated with an infection or other obvious cause may indicate certain types of cancer, such as leukemia or lymphoma.
- Persistent fatigue, weakness, or lethargy that does not improve with rest can be a symptom of pediatric cancer, particularly leukemia and brain tumors.
- Persistent pain, especially in the bones or joints, headaches, or abdominal pain, may be a symptom of cancer. Bone pain can be a sign of bone cancers like osteosarcoma or Ewing sarcoma, while headaches may be associated with brain tumors.
– Unexplained lumps or swellings, particularly in the neck, abdomen, groin, or underarms, may indicate the presence of a tumor or cancerous growth.
- Changes in vision, such as double vision, loss of peripheral vision, or the appearance of white spots in the pupil, may be symptoms of eye cancer (retinoblastoma) or brain tumors.
- Children with certain types of cancer, particularly leukemia, may experience frequent or persistent infections due to a weakened immune system.
- Excessive bruising, bleeding gums, or frequent nosebleeds may be signs of leukemia, a cancer of the blood and bone marrow.
– Changes in bowel habits, such as constipation or diarrhea, blood in the stool, or changes in urinary frequency or color, may be symptoms of certain abdominal cancers.
- Persistent coughing, wheezing, or shortness of breath may be symptoms of lung cancer or tumors pressing on the airways.