Paediatric Cancer Do Not Ignore Sudden Weight Loss or Swelling in Any Part of Your Child’s Body

We all desire our kids to be healthy and do everything to keep them that way. But what if they start losing weight or have swelling in a part of their body? Is this a sign of cancer? Let’s find out.

What is Paediatric Cancer?

Paediatric cancer is a disease in which abnormal cells divide uncontrollably, eventually forming tumours. This is the most common fatal disease in children. Cancer can start in almost any part of the body, including the blood and lymph systems.

The four most common types of paediatric cancer are leukaemia, lymphoma, brain and spinal cord tumours, and neuroblastoma.

Symptoms of Paediatric Cancer

Here are some common signs of paediatric cancer:

• The child loses weight rapidly
• Fever or infection that does not go away or keeps coming back
• Constant tiredness or noticeable paleness
• Headaches, often with early morning vomiting
• Abdominal pain, constipation, diarrhea, nausea, or vomiting that won’t go away
• Lump or mass, especially in the abdomen, neck, chest, pelvis, or armpits.
• Swelling in the legs or groin area.

Treatment of Paediatric Cancer

• Surgery

Surgery is the most common form of treatment for paediatric tumours. It may be performed to diagnose, remove or reduce the size of a tumour.

• Therapies using medication

Medication can help ease cancer symptoms and its side effects, such as nausea and vomiting, or kill cancer cells. Chemotherapy and immunotherapy get used in this case.

• Radiation therapy

Radiation can also be used instead of surgery, depending on the type of cancer and other factors such as the child’s age and general health and the tumour’s location.

Conclusion

Sudden weight loss or swelling could signify cancer and require medical attention. Speak to your child’s paediatrician if you notice them losing appetite or becoming more fussy than usual. Contact Prolife Cancer Centre and Research Institute at Pune for more detail.