When we hear the word cancer, most of the time we think it is an adult disease. Because this issue is mostly faced by adults. But cancer can also affect children. Although cancer is rare, but too dangerous, especially in children. Because children’s bodies grow faster, cancer cells can spread fast. But the good thing is that it is curable if we detect it in the early stages. It is only possible when you identify the symptoms of childhood cancer, and it is not an easy task. Because the symptoms of childhood cancer look like common illnesses such as fever, body pain, tiredness, etc., never take these signs lightly. That’s why knowing childhood cancer symptoms is very important for early diagnosis and successful treatment.
In this blog, we are going to discuss the symptoms of childhood cancer so that you can know what the cancer childhood symptoms and when to visit a doctor. According to the doctors, the earlier you detect cancer, the greater the chances of recovery, and you ensure a better future for your child. So always focus on the early warning signs of childhood cancer.
Let’s discuss the signs and symptoms of cancer in children.
Common Signs and Symptoms of Childhood Cancer
Childhood cancer can start in any part of the body, like the brain, bones, blood, organs, etc. But all types of cancer have common warning signs that parents have to pay close attention to. If these symptoms continue for a long time or keep coming back, don’t take them lightly and consult the doctor immediately.
Here are some common childhood cancer symptoms that you should not ignore.
- Sudden weight loss without any clear reason.
- Fever lasting for more than a week.
- Tiredness or weakness, even after proper rest.
- Joint and bone pain, when a child wakes at night.
- Swelling in the neck, armpit, stomach, or groin area.
- Unusual marks or sores that don’t heal.
- Headaches or vomiting in the morning.
- Sometimes blurred vision.
- Paleness or frequent bruising.
- Difficulty in breathing or a persistent cough.
All these symptoms are not meant to be cancer childhood symptoms. Because they can be due to infections or other illnesses. But, if these symptoms stay for a long time or keep coming back, then it is better to consult a doctor so you can take a good step to keep your children healthy.
Specific Types of Cancer Childhood Symptoms
There are different types of childhood cancer, and each type of cancer shows different signs. Let’s have a look at their symptoms so you can identify.
1. Childhood Blood Cancer Symptoms (Leukemia)
Blood cancer is also known as Leukemia. And it is the most common type of cancer in children. Basically, it affects the bone marrow and blood cells. The symptoms of childhood blood cancer leukemia are very similar to normal infections. But they last longer than normal ones.
Here is the list of the common childhood blood cancer symptoms –
- Fever and weakness.
- Frequent infections and wounds take more time heal.
- Bleeding or easy bruising, especially from the gums or nose.
- Bone or joint pain without any injury.
- Swollen lymph nodes, mostly around the neck or underarms.
- Low energy levels and pale skin.
If such symptoms are occurring in your child for more than two weeks, then don’t ignore them and consult a paediatrician. A simple blood test can help you a lot in detecting if there is something wrong.
2. Childhood Bone Cancer Symptoms
Bone cancer in children is found mostly in the legs or arms. It also causes pain. And most times, parents think this pain is due to sports injuries or growing pains. So don’t neglect such kind of pain.
Here are some common childhood bone cancer symptoms.
- Continuous bone pain, especially at night.
- Swelling around joints or bones.
- Limping or difficulty when you move.
- Weight loss and tiredness.
- A hard lump on the bone that doesn’t go away easily.
If your child is suffering from pain that doesn’t improve even after medication or proper rest, then it is advisable to consult a doctor as soon as possible. In this scenario, an X-ray or scan will help you a lot to know exactly what is happening.
3. Childhood Lung and Skin Cancer Symptoms
Both lung and skin cancer are very rare in children. But they can occur. Here is the list of childhood lung cancer symptoms that will help you to identify whether your child is suffering from a normal illness or lung and skin cancer.
Childhood Lung Cancer Symptoms
- Constant cough or wheezing.
- Chest pain and problems in breathing.
- Fatigue and loss of appetite.
Childhood Skin Cancer Symptoms
- Moles that grow with time in size and colour.
- Sores that don’t heal over time.
- Itchy or bleeding skin patches.
Always go through regular check-ups, and if there are sudden changes on your child’s skin, immediately contact a doctor.
Serious Childhood Cancer Symptoms You Shouldn’t Ignore
When it comes to early cancer symptoms in children then they are very common like other illnesses. But they stay longer than normal ones, like a fever or tiredness. All is ok until such a kind of illness doesn’t go away with normal medication and treatment.
Always consult a doctor if your child is suffering from:
- Unusual bleeding or skin bruises.
- Regular fever even after antibiotics.
- Weight loss without reason.
- Chronic pain in bones and joints.
- Headaches and vomiting in the morning.
Diagnosis and the Next Steps for Childhood Cancer
When you visit a doctor and he suspects that it may be a type of cancer, then he will perform a few tests to confirm it. These tests are-
If it proves that your children have cancer, then doctors will create a treatment plan according to the cancer’s stage. You can also opt for second opinion doctors online for better decisions. Here are some of the well-known procedures.
Treatment Plan | Is Used For |
Chemotherapy | Using medicines to kill cancer cells. |
Radiation Therapy | To destroy remaining cancer cells. |
Surgery | To remove tumours. |
Targeted Therapy | Treatment that focuses on specific cancer cells. |
When it comes to the treatment of children’s cancer then along with medical care, emotional support from parents and family is very important for recovery. If cancer is in the early stages, then treatment is possible. And that’s why it is important to recognise early symptoms.
Why Choose Ilios Health for Your Cancer Second Opinion?
Ilios Health is a reputed health services provider where every type of cancer is reviewed by experts so that you can get the best diagnosis and the best treatment plans. They also provide you with clear, unbiased guidance and quick support that helps you make the best decision about your health. Here, you get cancer second opinion services that help patients understand all treatment options before starting therapy. For all kinds of other medical issues and a second opinion, you can contact Ilios Health any time.
Final Words
Childhood cancer is only treatable when you are found in early stages. So it is advisable to keep an eye on your children’s health. If you detect something abnormal, always consult a doctor. If your child is experiencing fatigue, pain, swelling, or repeated infections, etc., visit a doctor as soon as possible. In the whole scenario, the role of parents is very important. Because they are the ones who recognise early symptoms of childhood cancer. Early diagnosis saves time, reduces complications, and improves the chances of a full recovery.
So it is important to be aware of childhood cancer symptoms to protect children and give them the healthy life they deserve.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q. What are the signs and symptoms of cancer in children?
Ans. Cancer symptoms in children are not so easy to notice because they look like normal illnesses. But if your children are facing illness, and they keep coming even after medications, parents should take them seriously.
Common cancer childhood symptoms include:
- Long-lasting fever
- Unexplained tiredness
- Sudden weight loss
- Pain in bones or joints
- Lumps or swelling in any body part
- Pale skin or frequent bruising
- Headache with vomiting
- Cough or breathing trouble
- Changes on the skin, like new spots or sores
Q. Is cancer in children curable?
Ans. Yes, many types of cancer in children are curable, especially when found in the early stages. With time, technologies and medical treatment are advancing and improving with time. And all that has improved survival rates that help children live healthy lives after recovery.
Q. What are the childhood skin cancer symptoms?
Ans. Childhood skin cancer symptoms are generally a new mole that grows over time. Sore that won’t heal, a rough red patch, a pink bump, etc., whenever you see such kinds of changes in your body, immediately contact the doctor.