Childhood cancer, although rare compared to adult cancers, is one of the leading causes of death from disease in children. Early detection and appropriate treatment are crucial to improving survival rates and quality of life for affected children.

Childhood cancer refers to any type of cancer that is diagnosed in children and adolescents. The most common types include leukemia, brain tumors, lymphomas and neuroblastoma. Unlike adults, cancers in children are often not related to environmental or lifestyle risk factors, but may be linked to genetic factors or exposure to infections.

Importance of early detection

Early detection of childhood cancer is critical to initiate treatment as early as possible and improve the chances of cure. However, the symptoms of cancer in children can be difficult to recognize, as they can be similar to those of common childhood illnesses. Educating parents and healthcare professionals about the signs and symptoms of childhood cancer is essential for early diagnosis.

Signs and symptoms of childhood cancer

Recognizing the signs and symptoms of childhood cancer early is crucial for early diagnosis and effective treatment. However, these symptoms can be subtle and easily mistaken for common childhood illnesses, making education and vigilance critical for parents and healthcare professionals. Some of the most important symptoms to watch for are described below.

Persistent or recurrent fever: Fevers with no apparent cause that do not respond to conventional treatments may be a sign of cancer.
Unexplained weight loss: Significant weight loss without changes in diet or activity level.
Bone or joint pain: Persistent bone or joint pain that is not related to an injury.
Lumps or swelling: Presence of masses or lumps in the abdomen, neck, chest, pelvis or armpits.
Pallor and extreme fatigue: Abnormal pallor and tiredness that does not improve with rest.
Easy bruising or bleeding: Appearance of bruising or bleeding without apparent cause.
Persistent headache: Headaches that worsen over time and may be accompanied by vomiting.
Vision problems or eye changes: Blurred vision, loss of vision or visible changes in the eyes.
Recurrent infections: Frequent and difficult to treat infections.

Diagnosis of childhood cancer

Diagnosis of childhood cancer usually involves a series of tests and procedures to confirm the presence of cancer and determine its extent:

Physical examination and medical history review: Complete evaluation of the child's medical history and a detailed physical examination.
Pruebas de imagen:
• Radiografías: Para visualizar huesos y órganos.
• Tomografía computarizada (TC): Para obtener imágenes detalladas del cuerpo.
• Resonancia magnética (RM): Para imágenes detalladas de tejidos blandos.
• Ultrasonido: Para visualizar estructuras internas.
Blood tests: To evaluate organ function and detect abnormalities in blood cells.
Biopsy: Extraction of a tissue sample for analysis under the microscope to confirm the diagnosis of cancer.
Lumbar puncture: Extraction of a sample of cerebrospinal fluid to detect cancerous cells in the central nervous system.

Treatment options for childhood cancer

Treatment of childhood cancer depends on the type and stage of the cancer, as well as the overall health of the child. The main treatment options include:

Surgery: Removal of the tumor and surrounding affected tissue.
Chemotherapy: Use of drugs to destroy cancer cells, administered orally, intravenously or intrathecally.
Radiation therapy: Use of high-energy rays to destroy cancer cells and shrink tumors.
Targeted therapy: Drugs that specifically target cancer cells with certain genetic characteristics.
Immunotherapy: Stimulates the body's immune system to attack cancer cells.
Stem cell therapy: Replacement of damaged stem cells in the bone marrow with healthy stem cells.
Palliative care: symptom management and improvement of quality of life, especially in cases of advanced cancer.

Early detection and proper treatment of childhood cancer are critical to improving survival rates and quality of life for affected children. At Panama Cancer Clinic, we are committed to providing the best care and most advanced treatment options for our young patients. If you have questions or need more information about our childhood cancer screening and treatment options, please do not hesitate to contact us.