What is a Type of Cancer That Develops in Children?

There are more than 200 different types of cancer. Some are rare, while others affect people of all ages. When you hear the term ‘type of cancer,' what comes to mind? There are many subtypes within each type. The subtype is determined by the specific mutations or changes in a tumor that lead to the development of that particular type of cancer in an individual. Who knows their type? Let’s look at some common types of childhood cancers:

Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL)

ALL is the most common type of childhood cancer. It is more common in whites, with an onset usually before the age of 5. All the cells in the human body, including lymphocytes, white blood cells, and some other types of cells, are called ‘leukocytes.' ALL begins with the abnormal growth of a single leukocyte, which leads to the enlargement of a lymph node. If the lymph node is not removed, this enlargement can spread to the lymph nodes throughout the body, causing serious illness and even death. Almost all cases of ALL are cured with treatment, which may include chemotherapy and/or radiation therapy.

Central Nervous System Tumor

A tumor that grows in or near the brain or spinal cord is called a ‘tumor of the central nervous system (CNS).’ This type of tumor is usually benign, but if it spreads to the outside of the brain or spine, it can cause serious illness or death. A tumor that affects the nerve cells of the brain or spinal cord may cause symptoms such as seizures, paralysis, or loss of the ability to walk, talk, or eat. There are many types of CNS tumors, which may be benign (non-cancerous), malignant (cancerous), or borderline between the two. Benign tumors may be removed and cured with surgery. Malignant tumors may require treatment with radiation therapy and/or chemotherapy. Borderline tumors may require treatment with both surgery and radiation therapy. CNS tumors may be found in any part of the brain or spinal cord. They may affect only a single part of the brain, or may extend to nearby areas. If a tumor is found in the area near the spinal cord, it may cause loss of feeling and muscles below the affected level of the spinal cord, or even paralysis of the legs. The tumor may also affect the part of the brain that controls breathing or the ability to walk.

Ewing’s Sarcoma

Ewing’s sarcoma is a type of cancer that affects cells that make up cartilage, bones, and ligaments. The sarcoma may start in any tissue in the body, but usually begins in the bones, bones of the hands and feet, or soft tissue of the abdomen, chest, or pelvis. The most common site of treatment for Ewing’s sarcoma is the bone. The tumor may spread to nearby lymph nodes, causing swelling of the lymph nodes, or to nearby tissue, causing pain, swelling, and lacerations. In rare cases, Ewing’s sarcoma spreads to other organs.

Hematopoietic Stem Cell Tumor

A tumor that develops from hematopoietic stem cells is called a ‘hematopoietic stem cell tumor.’ Hematopoietic stem cells are found in the bone marrow, where they produce the cells that supply blood and immune system cells with oxygen and other nutrients. The most common type of hematopoietic stem cell tumor is known as a ‘leukemia.’ Hematopoietic stem cell tumors that start in the bone marrow may produce a type of blood cell called a ‘granulocyte’ or a type of immune cell called a ‘macrophage.’

Hodgkin Lymphoma

Hodgkin lymphoma is a type of cancer that starts in the cells that make up the immune system, called lymphocytes. The most common type of Hodgkin lymphoma is ‘histologically type A,’ which is a low-grade, indolent form of the disease. The most common symptoms are swelling of the lymph nodes and a feeling of fullness in the neck, which may radiate to the upper chest or shoulder. In other cases, Hodgkin lymphoma may be diagnosed in the early stages, when the only symptoms are a rash or mild flu-like symptoms.

Isolated Neuroblastoma

Neuroblastoma is a type of cancer that originates in nerve cells, called ‘neurons.’ This type of tumor is usually found in children and young adults. In addition to the symptoms that may occur with other types of cancer, the most common symptom of isolated neuroblastoma is a feeling of pressure in the abdomen or fullness in the abdomen.

Summary

The types of childhood cancers that affect children are rare and are usually curable. However, they can be deadly if not diagnosed and treated early. As part of cancer prevention efforts, it is essential to understand the risk factors associated with these cancers. A child’s risk of developing any cancer depends on a combination of genetic, environmental, and behavioral factors.