Oncology in children: symptoms and early diagnosis
General symptoms of cancer in children
Oncological diseases in children, unfortunately, are not uncommon. Early diagnosis plays a critical role in increasing the chances of successful treatment and long -term survival. However, diagnostics in children are often difficult due to the nonspiciency of many symptoms that can be taken as ordinary childhood diseases. Parents and doctors need to be careful and pay attention to any unusual or persistent symptoms, especially if they do not pass after ordinary treatment.
It is important to emphasize that the presence of one or more of the symptoms listed below does not necessarily indicate cancer. However, their appearance is a signal to immediately seek a doctor to conduct a thorough examination and exclude serious diseases.
1. Inexplicable constant fatigue and weakness:
Fatigue, especially if it does not pass after rest, is one of the most common, but non -specific symptoms. In children suffering from cancer, fatigue can be so strong that the child refuses games, does not want to go to school or engage in his favorite hobbies. It can manifest itself as:
- Constant drowsiness: The child sleeps more than usual, and wakes up tired.
- Lack of energy: Even after a night’s rest, the child feels exhausted.
- Reducing activity: The child avoids physical activity and prefers to spend time in bed.
- Irritability: Fatigue can lead to increased irritability and mood swings.
This fatigue is often different from the usual fatigue that occurs after physical activity or lack of sleep. It is more intense and persistent, and does not pass after a regular rest. It can be caused by anemia caused by cancer, or the effects of cancer on the body as a whole.
2. The fever of unclear genesis:
An increase in body temperature, especially if it is not associated with a cold, influenza or other infectious diseases, should cause concern. The fever can be a sign that the body is fighting cancer. Unlike fever for infections, fever for cancer often:
- Not accompanied by other symptoms of colds: There is no cough, runny nose, sore throat.
- Does not decrease after taking antipyretic drugs: The effect of antipyretic drugs can be temporary or completely absent.
- It may be low, but constant: The temperature is held at the level of 37-37.5 ° C for a long time.
- May be accompanied by night sweating: The child wakes up wet with sweat, even if the room is not hot.
The fever can be caused by a tumor that distinguishes substances that affect body temperature, or an immune system that responds to cancer cells.
3. Night sweating:
Abundant sweating during sleep, not related to the temperature in the room or clothing, is also a cause for concern. Night sweating can be a symptom of lymphoma or leukemia. It arises due to the fact that cancer cells emit substances that stimulate the sweat glands.
4. Inexplicable weight loss:
A sharp weight loss for no apparent reason (for example, without changing a diet or increasing physical activity) may indicate cancer. The tumor can use the energy of the body, which leads to weight loss, or cause loss of appetite. It is important to pay attention even to a slight weight loss, especially in children who should gain weight.
5. Bone pain and joints:
Bone pain and joints, especially if they are constant and not related to injury, can be a symptom of leukemia or bone tumors. The pain can be intensified at night or with physical exertion. It can be localized in a certain place or spread throughout the body.
6. Bumps or tumors:
The appearance of any new cones or tumors under the skin, especially if they grow quickly and do not disappear within a few weeks, requires immediate consultation with a doctor. Bills can be a sign of lymphoma, sarcoma or other types of cancer. It is important to pay attention to the location, size, consistency and soreness of the cone.
7. Headaches and vision problems:
Constant headaches, especially if they are accompanied by nausea, vomiting, visual impairments or other neurological symptoms, can be a sign of a brain tumor. Violations of vision may include double eyes, blurry vision or loss of vision fields.
8. Permanent cough or shortness of breath:
A constant cough that is not associated with a cold or allergies, or difficulty breathing can be a sign of a tumor in the chest or metastases in the lungs.
9. Bleeding or bruises:
Inexplicable bleeding from the nose, gums or other places, as well as the appearance of bruises for no apparent reason, can be a symptom of leukemia or other diseases that affect blood coagulation.
10. Abdominal pain:
Constant abdominal pain, especially if they are accompanied by bloating, nausea, vomiting or changing the stool, can be a sign of a tumor in the abdominal cavity.
11. An increase in lymph nodes:
Increased lymph nodes in the neck, armpits or groin, especially if they are painless and do not decrease for several weeks, can be a sign of lymphoma or other types of cancer.
12. Neurological symptoms:
Neurological symptoms, such as convulsions, weakness in the limbs, impaired coordination of movements or changes in behavior, can be a sign of a brain or spinal cord tumor.
13. Changes in the work of the intestines or bladder:
Constipation, diarrhea, blood in a chair or urine, as well as frequent or difficult urinating can be signs of a tumor in the pelvis.
14. Changes in the eyes:
Changes in the eyes, such as leukocoria (white pupil), strabismus or vision loss, can be a sign of retinoblastoma (retinal tumors).
15. Anemia:
Anemia, manifested by pallor of the skin, weakness and dizziness, can be a symptom of leukemia or other types of cancer that affect blood formation.
Symptoms depending on the type of cancer in children
Some symptoms are more characteristic of certain types of cancer in children. Knowing these symptoms can help doctors and parents to suspect a specific disease and begin timely treatment.
1. Leukemia (blood cancer):
Leukemia is the most common type of cancer in children. Symptoms of leukemia may include:
- Fatigue and weakness
- Pallor of the skin
- Fever
- Bleeding and bruises
- Bone pain and joints
- Increase in the lymph nodes
- Stomach ache
- Loss of appetite
- Weight loss
2. Brain tumors:
The tumors of the brain are the second most common type of cancer in children. Symptoms of the brain tumors can vary depending on the localization and size of the tumor, but usually include:
- Headaches
- Nausea and vomiting
- Visual impairment
- Convulsions
- Weakness in the limbs
- Violation of coordination of movements
- Changes in behavior
- Development of development
3. Lymphoma (cancer of the lymphatic system):
Lymphoma is a cancer of the lymphatic system. There are two main types of lymphoma: the Hodgkin lymphoma and the non -Kindkin lymphoma. Symptoms of lymphoma may include:
- Increase in the lymph nodes
- Fever
- Night sweating
- Weight loss
- Fatigue
- Itching of the skin
4. Neuroblastoma:
Neuroblastoma is a cancer that develops from immature nerve cells. It usually occurs in children under the age of 5 years. Symptoms of neuroblastomas can vary depending on the localization of the tumor, but usually include:
- Bump in the stomach, neck or chest
- Bone pain
- Fever
- Weight loss
- Fatigue
- Changes in the work of the intestines or bladder
- Gorner syndrome (ptosis, myos, tonsillosis)
5. Wilms tumor:
The Wilms tumor is a kidney cancer, which is usually found in children under the age of 5 years. Vilms tumor symptoms may include:
- Bump in the stomach
- Stomach ache
- Blood in the urine
- Fever
- Loss of appetite
- Weight loss
6. Retinoblastoma (retinal cancer):
Retinoblastoma is a cancer of the retina, which is usually found in children under the age of 5 years. Symptoms of retinoblastoma may include:
- Leukocoria (white pupil)
- Strabismus
- Loss of vision
7. Sarcoma (cancer of bones and soft tissues):
Sarcomes are cancer of bones and soft tissues. There are various types of Sarkok, including osteosarcoma, sarcoma of Ying and Rabdomyosarcom. Symptoms of Sarkk may include:
- Pain in bones or soft tissues
- Lump in the area of the lesion
- Limitation of mobility
The importance of early diagnosis
Early diagnosis of cancer in children plays a decisive role in increasing the chances of successful treatment and long -term survival. The sooner cancer is detected, the more effective the treatment will be.
Parents and doctors should be attentive and pay attention to any unusual or persistent symptoms in children, especially if they do not pass after ordinary treatment. It is important to remember that many symptoms of cancer in children are nonspecific and can be taken as ordinary childhood diseases.
If cancer is suspected, you must immediately consult a doctor to conduct a thorough examination and exclude serious diseases. The examination may include:
- Physical examination
- Blood tests
- Visualization studies (X -ray, ultrasound, CT, MRI)
- Biopsy
Difficulties in diagnostics
Diagnosis of cancer in children can be difficult for several reasons:
- Non -specific symptoms: Many symptoms of cancer in children are similar to symptoms of ordinary childhood diseases.
- Rare diseases: Cancer in children is relatively rare, so doctors may not immediately suspect this disease.
- The impossibility of obtaining an anamnesis: Young children can not always clearly describe their symptoms.
- Fear and anxiety: Parents can experience fear and anxiety, which can make it difficult to communicate with the doctor and obtain the necessary information.
The role of parents in early diagnosis
Parents play an important role in early diagnosis of cancer in children. They know their children best and can notice any changes in their behavior or health. Parents should:
- Carefully monitor the health status of your children.
- Pay attention to any unusual or persistent symptoms.
- Do not postpone a visit to the doctor if you suspect anything serious.
- Trust your intuition.
- Actively participate in the process of diagnosis and treatment.
Conclusion
Although cancer in children is a tragic and complex disease, early diagnosis and timely treatment can significantly increase the chances of recovery. Parents, doctors and society as a whole should be vigilant and attentive to any signs and symptoms that can indicate cancer in children. Increased awareness and improvement of diagnostics are key factors in the fight against this disease and ensuring the best future for children faced with cancer. Regular preventive examinations of a pediatrician are also important for monitoring the general state of health of the child and identifying any deviations in the early stages. It must be remembered that early seeking medical help can save life.