Cancer In Babies – Causes, Symptoms & Treatments You Should Be Aware Of
3. Wilms Tumor:
This form of cancer originates in the kidney and is the commonest kind of kidney cancer in children. Usually affecting just one of the kidneys, in rare cases, Wilms Tumor can affect both the kidneys and turn more serious. Children between three to four years are usually affected and is rarely visible in those above six years. Swelling in the belly, nausea and poor appetite are few of its symptoms.
4. Brain Tumor:
Around 27% of childhood, tumors constitute brain tumor and other nervous system related cancers. Ideally, the cancer affects the lower part of the brain as the cerebellum or the brain stem and then proceeds to spread further. Some of the common symptoms to look for in babies are headaches, balance problems, frequent vomiting and trouble with vision and speech.
5. Lymphoma:
Mainly affecting lymphocytes, specific cells of the immune system, lymphoma affects the lymph nodes and tissue. Swollen lymph nodes in the neck, armpit or waist, weight loss, sweat and general weakness are the usual symptoms. (4)
6. Rhabdomyosarcoma:
Around 3% of all childhood cancers fall into this category. The tumor ideally develops in the cells which later form the skeletal muscles. The muscles that we control to move different parts of the body though is the main target location of the tumor; other parts are also affected. The head, neck, waist, an arm or leg can be few of the starting locations of this kind of tumor.
7. Bone Cancer:
Most commonly visible form of bone cancer in children is primary bone cancer. This kind of cancer originates in the bone. In contrast, the metastatic bone cancer starts at some other part of the body and then spreads to the bone. However, most cancers in adults can be metastatic in nature, as cancers when chronic easily spreads to the bone. Osteosarcoma and Ewing sarcoma are the two major forms of cancer in children. While the former targets the growing bones, the latter affects the pelvis, chest bones or the middle of the long leg bones. Swelling and severe bone pain are the common symptoms of both these cancers.
8. Retinoblastoma:
Cancer of the eye which usually affects children as young as two years old is retinoblastoma. Unusually white or pink color of the pupil is the significant symptom of this form of cancer. Almost two per cent of childhood cancers accounts to retinoblastoma.(5)
General Treatments:
The treatments usually vary from person to person depending on both the type of cancer and the level of its intensity. The usual treatment options include surgery, immune therapy, stem cell therapy, radiotherapy and chemotherapy among many others. However, doctors try to avoid resorting to radiation for treatment in babies. It is because, an exposure to radiation can retard their growth and might also become a triggering factor for the development of a second cancer later in life. Babies with cancer need to have regular checkups throughout their life. The possibility of having side effects or getting a second cancer cannot be fully overruled.(6)
Do you know the survival stories of babies who could overcome cancer? Please share with us, we are keen to know.
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