The National Cancer Institute states that cancer occurs in one to two out of every 10,000 children in the United States each year. While cancer is the leading disease cause of death in children under the age of 15, the NCI points out that cancer in children is quite rare. Some cancers, such as stomach and colon cancer, affect mainly adults. Other types are more common in children.
Leukemia
Leukemia is cancer of the blood cells. Most often, leukemia affects the white blood cells, but the American Cancer Society states that some types of leukemia affect other blood cells, as well. Childhood leukemia is almost always acute, which means that it grows quickly. The two most common types in children are acute lymphocytic leukemia, or ALL, and acute myelogenous leukemia, or AML. Treatment begins after the doctors have identified which type of leukemia the child has, and usually includes chemotherapy. In some cases, the child may have surgery or radiation. The survival rate for childhood leukemia, depending on the type, ranges from 50 percent to 80 percent, states the American Cancer Society.
Brain Cancer
The most common solid tumor in children is the brain tumor. Some tumors are benign, and others are malignant, or cancerous. Tumors can develop in any part of the brain. According to the Children's Hospital of Wisconsin, causes of brain cancer in children may be genetic or chromosomal abnormalities, exposure to certain chemicals and previous radiation therapy. A brain tumor can be diagnosed by neurological exams, CAT or CT scans, MRIs and spinal taps. Once diagnosed, treatment plans may include surgery to remove the tumor, chemotherapy, radiation therapy and steroids. The prognosis depends on the type of tumor, where in the brain the tumor is located and the child's age and general health.
Lymphoma
Lymphomas are cancers of the lymphatic tissues, which include the lymph nodes, tonsils, spleen, bone marrow and lymph vessels. Kids Health states that about 1,700 U.S. children under the age of 20 are diagnosed with a lymphoma every year. Lymphomas are divided into two classifications: Hodgkin's lymphoma, and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. Those with Hodgkin's Lymphoma have a certain type of malignant cell, called Reed-Sternberg cells. In non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, the malignancy takes place in the white cells of the lymph system, called lymphocytes. Once diagnosed by a series of blood tests, scans and biopsies, treatment usually includes chemotherapy and radiation. The prognosis is generally good; depending on the type and stage of the lymphoma, the five-year survival rate is 60 percent to 90 percent, says Kids Health.
