1. Childhood Cancer Symptoms Vary
Childhood cancer symptoms vary depending on the type of cancer, but generally may include fatigue, poor appetite and weight loss, a swollen area or lump that does not go away, bleeding, fever and anemia, which is a condition characterized by insufficient red blood cells to carry oxygen throughout the body. Signs of anemia include fatigue and weakness, cough and a pale appearance to the skin. The good news is that childhood cancer is rare, and improvements in treatment mean that more than 75 percent of children with cancer will be cured. If you are unsure about whether your child is showing childhood cancer symptoms, take him to the doctor, since early diagnosis is critical to successful treatment.
2. Symptoms of Other Disorders May be Similar
It is sometimes difficult to differentiate symptoms of less-serious disorders from those of childhood cancer. Anemia can be caused by poor nutrition, and fatigue can be a symptom of sleep apnea, which causes extended pauses in breathing during sleep. For this reason, it is important to take your child to the doctor if she has unexplained symptoms that do not go away or seem to be getting worse. If childhood cancer symptoms are suspected, you will be referred to a doctor called a pediatric oncologist who is an expert in the diagnosis and treatment of childhood cancer.
3. Leukemia May Cause Pain in Bones and Joints
Growing children sometimes complain of pain in their legs--the so-called "growing pains." The difference between these normal pains and childhood cancer symptoms is that growing pains are usually temporary and disappear by the next day. When pain is persistent or interferes with normal activities, however, a visit to the doctor is warranted, since painful bones or joints are sometimes a symptom of leukemia. This kind of cancer affects the center of the bones, which is called the bone marrow. It is the most common cause of childhood cancer symptoms and accounts for more than one-third of cases. Other symptoms of leukemia may include bleeding, fever, feelings of weakness and weight loss.
4. Headache and Nausea May Occur With Brain Cancer
When the brain or other parts of the nervous system are affected, early childhood cancer symptoms may include nausea and vomiting, headaches, visual problems such as blurred or double images, clumsiness when walking or using the hands and dizziness.
5. Abdominal Swelling May Signify Neuroblastoma
Neuroblastoma is a type of solid tumor, which is an abnormal overgrowth of cells. After brain tumors, it is the most common cause of tumors in children. It usually occurs in children under age 1, and early childhood cancer symptoms may be loss of appetite and fatigue. Later, neuroblastoma may appear as a swollen abdomen since that is where this kind of cancer usually begins, although it can occur anywhere in the body.
