Pediatric Cancer: Symptoms, Types & Treatment

A term used to characterize cancers that develop between the ages of birth and 14 years. Pediatric cancers in India are extremely rare and may differ from adult cancers in their growth and spread, treatment, and response to treatment.

Most pediatric cancers, like those in adults, are believed to begin as a result of gene mutations that cause uncontrollable cell development and, eventually, malignancy. These mutations in genes in adults are the result of aging and long-term exposure to substances that cause cancer.

More than 80% of children and teens survived five years after being diagnosed with cancer. However, pediatric cancer treatment in India has a long history. Survivors of pediatric cancer are more likely to develop secondary malignancies and other medical disorders.

Types of Pediatric Cancer

Cancer is a leading Cause of Pediatric Mortality. Cancer is the world’s second-greatest contributor of mortality among children aged 1 to 14 years old, followed only by accidents, and the fourth leading cause of death among adolescents aged 15 to 19.

Pediatric cancers are divided into three types: leukaemias and lymphomas, brain tumors, and solid tumors.

Many of the most widespread pediatric and adolescent cancers also develop in adults. These include:

1. Leukemia: Leukaemia is the most common type of pediatric cancer. The two most common specific types of leukemia in children and adolescents are:

• Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL)
• Acute Myeloid Leukemia

2. Brain Tumors: Tumors developed in the brain and other parts of the central nervous system. Brain tumors are the most common type of cancer in children and adolescents. Brain tumors are classified as either benign (noncancerous) or malignant (cancerous).

3. Lymphomas: Lymphomas are malignancies of the lymphatic system in children. The two major types of lymphoma are these:

• Hodgkin lymphoma 
• Non-Hodgkin lymphoma 

4. Solid Tumors: Solid tumors develop when diseased cells divide and grow, eventually clustering together into masses of cancerous cells. Solid tumors can form throughout the bodies of children and teenagers. Other common pediatric solid tumor malignancies include:

• (Bone Cancer) Osteosarcoma and Ewing Sarcoma
• Neuroblastoma 
• Rhabdomyosarcoma 
• Retinoblastoma
• Wilms tumor
• Spinal Cord Tumor

Other types of cancer in children are rare, although they do occur. Children may get cancers that are far more prevalent in adults in very rare circumstances.

Symptoms of Pediatric Cancer

Abnormal bleeding, fatigue, fever, weakness, palpable lumps, vomiting, convulsions, and vision problems are some of the signs and symptoms. An aware parent will recognise symptoms and bring them to the medical facility or physician as soon as possible. The key to a successful outcome is early diagnosis, and in this era of sub-specialty care, children are best treated at Pediatric Oncological centers in India. These provide outstanding multidisciplinary team support. The Childhood Oncology Group abbreviates potential pediatric cancer symptoms as “CHILD CANCER”:

• C – Continuous unexplained weight loss.

• H- Headaches and migraines often with vomiting.

• I- Increasing swelling and pain in joints, legs, bones and back.

• L- Lump development in abdomen, neck, chest and in armpits.

• D- Development of extreme bleeding, bruising and rashes.

• C- Constant fever arises due to infection.

• A- A development of yellowish color around the pupil of your child.

• N- Nausea and vomiting, unusual occurrence.

• C- Continuously exhaustion or fatigue, zero energy level.

• E- Eye or vision problems. 

• R- Recurrence of swollen stomach with loss of appetite.

Best Oncologist in India

• Dr Niranjan Naik
• Dr. Ajay Kaul
• Dr Mukesh Patekar
• Dr Ankur Bahl
• Dr Shubham Garg
• Dr. Ashu Abhishek
• Dr. Peush Bajpai

How Pediatric Cancer is Treated?

An accurate diagnosis is required in order to suggest suitable Cancer Treatment in India for the kind and severity of the condition. Chemotherapy, surgery, and/or radiotherapy are common treatments. Children also require special attention to their continuous physical and cognitive growth, as well as their nutritional state, which demands the involvement of a multidisciplinary team. Around the world, access to effective diagnosis, necessary medications, pathology, blood products, radiation therapy, technology, and psychosocial and supportive care is incompatible and inequitable.

Treatment for a Pediatric Cancer in India is determined by the type of cancer that exists as well as the stage, grade, and/or risk classification. Chemotherapy, surgery, radiation therapy, and stem cell transplantation are all common treatments.

Immunotherapy is a newest form of treatment that uses the patient’s own immune system to attack the tumor and may be helpful in the treatment of certain children’s malignancies. Monoclonal antibodies, oncolytic virus therapy, cancer vaccines, chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy, and bispecific T-cell engagers are all instances of immunotherapy. Pediatric pre-B cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia is treated with CD19 CAR T-cell therapy in India.

Palliative care reduces cancer-related symptoms and improves the quality of life for patients and their families. Although not all children with cancer can be recovered, everyone gets relief from their pain. Pediatric palliative care in India is regarded as an essential part of comprehensive care, beginning with the diagnosis and continuing throughout treatment and care, regardless of whether or not a child receives curative treatment.

Best Cancer Hospital in India

• Fortis Hospital Gurgaon
• Global Hospital Mumbai
• Indraprastha Apollo Hospital New Delhi
• Amrita Hospital, Faridabad
• Kauvery Hospital, Chennai

Suggestion

The major goal of cancer treatment for children is to cure them. While treatment may have adverse effects, many drugs and therapies can make children feel more at ease while being treated for cancer.

Involve children in their own cancer therapy whenever feasible. Use terms that your child will understand to explain the cancer and its consequences. With a younger child – toddlers and those under the age of four — stating that they are “sick” and require “medicine” to recover may be sufficient. The goal for all age groups is to eliminate fear and misunderstanding.

How can Medsurge India Help? 

Medsurge India is a reputable Medical Travel Assistance Organization for patients in need of doctors, hospitals, and specialized therapies. We’ll find the best medical solutions for you. Regarding your medical challenges. our team will provide you with a list of doctors and hospitals who are certified, reputable, and trusted. In addition, we provide a treatment plan that meets your budget. Aside from that, we help patients in obtaining safe travel authorizations, medical visas, and several kinds of other things.