Some diseases are found more often in men than in women, while others seem to attack women in higher numbers than men. Some diseases may mainly affect a specific race or ethnic group. There are also diseases primarily seen in specific age groups, including some which affect small children only.
Neuroblastoma
According to David Korones, M.D., associate professor of pediatrics, oncology and neurology at the University of Rochester Medical Center, neuroblastoma is the most common tumor affecting infants; approximately 90 percent of children who have this tumor are younger than 5 and 50 percent are younger than 2. The tumor usually arises from the adrenal gland, but spreads throughout the body. Children will have symptoms depending on where the tumor has spread. They could have a mass in their abdomen with hypertension, anemia and fever. They may also have bruising around their eyes, bone pain, and chaotic eye and muscle movements.
Wilms' Tumor
Also referred to as nephroblastoma, Wilms' Tumor is the second most common abdominal tumor found in children, according to the 2009 issue of "Current Diagnosis & Treatment: Pediatrics." It is the most common kidney tumor in children, and is usually seen in children who are between the ages of 2 and 5. Children will have a mass in their abdomen, as well as fever, hypertension, nausea and vomiting. They may also have blood in their urine (called hematuria) which isn't seen during urination, but is detected in a urinalysis.
Retinoblastoma
Retinoblastoma is a cancer of the retina of the eye. It is the most common eye tumor in children, with 200 to 300 cases every year. Most of the tumors are detected before the child is 5-years-old. Children will have what is termed leukocoria, a condition in which the tumor makes it seem as though the child has a white pupil. The child may also have inflammation in the eye and decreased vision.
Hepatoblastoma
Hepatoblastoma is the most common liver tumor in children, usually seen in those younger than 5. It is currently thought that children born prematurely have an increased risk of developing this cancer. Children with hepatoblastoma will have an abdomen that continues to enlarge.
Hirschsprung's Disease
Also called congenital aganglionic megacolon, in this disease, the nerves (ganglions) that are supposed to innervate the entire colon and rectum are not there. The section of the intestines without nerves, called aganglionic, will not be able to relax and pass the bowel movement through. The infant will have vomiting and constipation, and the abdomen will be enlarged.
Pyloric Stenosis
Physicians do not yet know the cause, but in this disorder, the pyloric sphincter of some infants is too thick. The sphincter is a muscle which lets food pass from the stomach to the intestines. In these infants, the muscle is so thick that formula (or breast milk) can hardly pass through. Usually within 2 to 4 weeks of age, the infant will vomit after every meal.
References
- "Current Diagnosis & Treatment: Pediatrics"; William Hay, Jr., M.D., Myron Levin, M.D., Judith Sondheimer, M.D., Robin Deterding, M.D.; 2009
- "Handbook of Pathophysiology"; Elizabeth Corwin, MSN, PhD, FNP; 2000
- The Merck Manual: Neuroblastoma
