Most common types of childhood cancer
Some oncological diseases appear at a very early age.
Find out with us what the most common types of childhood cancer are and their characteristics.
What influences the frequency of cancer?
Undoubtedly, cancer is one of the main causes of infant mortality.
Its survival rate can vary, among other causes, due to an inaccurate or late diagnosis, lack of treatment or even depending on the type of cancer.
In high-income countries where comprehensive health services are more accessible, it is estimated that more than 80% of children with cancer are cured, unlike countries that do not have good economic incomes, where only less than 30% survive.
Common types of cancer
Among the most common and fast-growing types of childhood cancer, the following stand out.
Bone tumors
The most common bone tumor between the ages of 10 and 19 is osteosarcoma. In particular, it can affect any bone, but it has a greater incidence in the lower limbs, developing in the tibia and femur in areas near the knees.
Brain tumors
On the other hand, brain tumors tend to develop before the age of 10. Medulloblastoma is one of the most common types of childhood cancer. Likewise, ependymomas are also brain tumors, but they may or may not be malignant.
Liver tumors
Similarly, in the case of liver tumours, they can also be benign or malignant. These fall into the category of rare tumors and should always be treated by highly experienced specialists in liver surgery. Statistics indicate that, out of every million children, only one will suffer from the disease, which is also particularly complex; since most of them are patients who require a transplant. If necessary, both the specialist and the hospital center must have significant technological advances in the area of interventional radiology.
Leukaemia
Another type of childhood cancer that is observed with some frequency is that which develops in the bone marrow.
It is generally of two types:
* Myeloblastic leukemia; which originates from myeloid (myeloblastic) stem cells.
* Acute lymphoblastic leukemia; which originates from lymphoid stem cells (lymphoblasts).
Genital tumors
The origin of these tumours has to do with cells that do not develop; and although they are rare, they can be benign or malignant. In general, germ cell tumors affect the ovaries and testicles; but they can also appear in the neck, sacrum or retroperitoneum.
Lymphomas
At the same time, among the most common types of childhood cancer are lymphomas. These attack the immune system and their origin is related to lymphocytes in various states that promote the development of malignant diseases (leading to the neoplastic proliferation of lymphoid cells).
Neuroblastomas
Its greatest incidence occurs at the level of the adrenal glands. However, cases have been diagnosed in the neck, pelvis, chest, stomach, and bones of children younger than 5 years old.
Soft tissue sarcomas
This is a disease that only develops malignant cancer cells. It can occur in both adults and children, and has been linked to some inherited disorders and diseases.
Rhabdomyosarcomas
This cancer is a type of sarcoma that tends to develop in the muscles around the bones and help give the body mobility.
Retinoblastoma
For its part, this type of cancer has its origin in the retina and a higher incidence in young children. Retinoblastoma can affect one or both eyes, due to the development of cancer (malignant) cells.
Wilms tumor
Although it is a tumor that is usually more affected among infants, it can occur perfectly well in an adult. Wilms tumor is a type of kidney cancer that affects one or both kidneys and has been linked to certain genetic conditions or birth defects.
Histiocytosis
Finally, childhood cancers also include a group of syndromes or disorders that involve the abnormal development of white blood cells (histiocytes). These are inflammatory immune conditions very similar to cancer, which can affect people of all ages; the highest range being located in children between 5 and 10 years old.
Statistics
According to the WHO, more than 600,000 children suffer from cancer worldwide each year.
Although there is no specific condition for this to occur, to date the largest number of registered cases are located in the region of the Americas and the Caribbean.
If analyzed by age range, the distribution of registered cases of the various types of childhood cancer is divided as follows:
* 0 - 1 year old 11.4%
* 1 - 4 years old 35.7%
* 5 - 9 years old 28.5%
* 12 -14 years old 24.1%
What medical check-ups should be done annually?
In general, it is important to maintain a pediatric check-up of healthy children during the first years.
On the contrary, in the case of a childhood cancer survivor, it is important to comply with a specialized annual check-up, directed by the treating medical team; which should include a complete physical exam and a series of screening tests, such as:
Radiographs
Mri
Blood tests
Echocardiograms
