Pediatric cancer refers to cancers that occur in infants, children, and adolescents. Although rare compared to adult cancers, they require specialized treatment due to the unique biology of childhood cancers and the need for age-specific care.

Common Types of Pediatric Cancer

✔ Leukemia – Cancer of the blood and bone marrow (e.g., Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia - ALL, Acute Myeloid Leukemia - AML).
✔ Brain and Spinal Cord Tumors – The most common solid tumors in children, affecting the nervous system.
✔ Neuroblastoma – A cancer that develops in immature nerve cells, mostly affecting infants and young children.
✔ Wilms Tumor – A kidney cancer primarily seen in children under 5 years.
✔ Lymphomas – Cancers of the immune system, including Hodgkin's and Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma.
✔ Bone Cancers – Osteosarcoma and Ewing Sarcoma, affecting bones and surrounding tissues.
✔ Retinoblastoma – A rare eye cancer that occurs in young children.

Symptoms of Pediatric Cancer

Children with cancer may show symptoms such as:

• Unexplained fever, fatigue, or weight loss
• Persistent pain in bones or joints
• Unusual lumps or swelling
• Frequent infections or easy bruising and bleeding
• Vision problems or white spots in the eye (Retinoblastoma)
• Headaches with nausea and vomiting (Brain tumors)

Diagnosis & Treatment

Pediatric cancers are diagnosed through blood tests, imaging scans (MRI, CT), biopsy, and genetic testing. Treatment options include:

• Chemotherapy – Primary treatment for leukemia and solid tumors.
• Radiation Therapy – Used for brain tumors, bone cancers, and lymphomas.
• Surgery – To remove solid tumors or affected tissues.
• Bone Marrow Transplant – Essential for treating aggressive blood cancers.
• Targeted Therapy & Immunotherapy – Advanced treatments improving survival rates with fewer side effects.

Benefits of Specialized Pediatric Cancer Care

✔ Higher Survival Rates – Advances in treatment have led to 80%+ survival rates in many pediatric cancers.
✔ Less Aggressive Therapies – Focus on reducing long-term side effects.
✔ Child-Friendly Environments – Special pediatric oncology centers provide emotional and psychological support.
✔ Personalized Treatments – Tailored approaches based on the child’s specific cancer type and genetics.

Early detection and specialized care are crucial in improving outcomes for children with cancer. With advanced treatments and compassionate care, pediatric oncology aims to give young patients a better chance at a healthy future.