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Childhood Cancer
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Childhood Cancer signs, follow-up guidance, risk factors, testing information, and trusted cancer resources from PINC Foundation.
Childhood cancer is rare, and most symptoms have other causes. A pattern that is persistent, unexplained, worsening, or out of character for a child should be discussed with their clinician.
The types of cancer seen in children differ from those in adults. Leukemias, brain and spinal cord tumors, lymphomas, neuroblastoma, Wilms tumor, and sarcomas are among the cancers diagnosed in childhood.
• Most childhood cancers have no known cause
• Certain inherited genetic syndromes
• Prior chemotherapy or radiation
• Some immune system conditions
• Risk factors usually do not explain an individual child’s cancer
• Most childhood cancers have no known cause
• Certain inherited genetic syndromes
• Prior chemotherapy or radiation
• Some immune system conditions
• Risk factors usually do not explain an individual child’s cancer
• An unusual lump, swelling, or enlarging abdomen
• Unexplained paleness, bruising, bleeding, fever, or fatigue
• Persistent bone pain, limp, or pain that wakes a child
• Morning headache with vomiting, balance trouble, or new neurologic change
• A white glow in the pupil, vision change, or unexplained weight loss
Call the child’s clinician when symptoms persist, repeat, worsen, or affect play, school, sleep, or appetite. Seek urgent care for a first seizure, breathing trouble, severe weakness, or a very ill-appearing child.
• An unusual lump, swelling, or enlarging abdomen
• Unexplained paleness, bruising, bleeding, fever, or fatigue
• Persistent bone pain, limp, or pain that wakes a child
• Morning headache with vomiting, balance trouble, or new neurologic change
• A white glow in the pupil, vision change, or unexplained weight loss
Call the child’s clinician when symptoms persist, repeat, worsen, or affect play, school, sleep, or appetite. Seek urgent care for a first seizure, breathing trouble, severe weakness, or a very ill-appearing child.
There are no routine population screening tests for most childhood cancers. Children with certain inherited conditions or prior cancer treatment may need a specialist surveillance plan.
• Detailed history and physical examination
• Blood and urine tests when indicated
• Ultrasound, X-ray, MRI, or CT based on symptoms
• Biopsy or bone marrow testing when needed
• Evaluation by a pediatric specialist if findings are concerning
There are no routine population screening tests for most childhood cancers. Children with certain inherited conditions or prior cancer treatment may need a specialist surveillance plan.
• Detailed history and physical examination
• Blood and urine tests when indicated
• Ultrasound, X-ray, MRI, or CT based on symptoms
• Biopsy or bone marrow testing when needed
• Evaluation by a pediatric specialist if findings are concerning
• What common causes could explain this pattern?
• What should improve, and by when?
• Which test or referral is appropriate if it does not improve?
• What warning signs mean we should seek urgent help?
• What common causes could explain this pattern?
• What should improve, and by when?
• Which test or referral is appropriate if it does not improve?
• What warning signs mean we should seek urgent help?
This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
https://www.cancer.gov/types/childhood-cancers
https://www.cancer.org/cancer/types/cancer-in-children.html
https://www.cancer.gov/types/childhood-cancers
https://www.cancer.org/cancer/types/cancer-in-children.html
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