Paediatric cancer is one of the most challenging conditions affecting children, and understanding it is essential for parents, caregivers, and families. Unlike adult cancers, paediatric cancer develops quickly, behaves differently, and often requires specialised childhood oncology care.

Early detection plays a critical role because many early signs of cancer in children, such as fatigue, fever, or unusual swelling, are easy to overlook. Fortunately, treatment success rates have improved significantly with modern therapies, leading to higher paediatric survivorship and better long-term outcomes.

Leukaemia: The Most Common Childhood Cancer

Leukaemia is the most frequently diagnosed paediatric cancer, affecting the blood and bone marrow. It occurs when the body produces abnormal white blood cells that crowd out healthy cells.

Common types of childhood leukaemia include:

ALL (Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia) – the most common type.
AML (Acute Myeloid Leukaemia) – less common but more aggressive.

Early signs of leukaemia:

Persistent fatigue or weakness.
Fever or frequent infections.
Easy bruising or bleeding.
Bone or joint pain.

Modern childhood oncology offers highly effective chemotherapy protocols, resulting in excellent treatment success for leukaemia.

Brain and Central Nervous System Tumours

Brain tumours are the second-most common type of paediatric cancer. These tumours may affect the brain or spinal cord and can significantly impact a child’s growth and development.

Common brain tumour types:

Medulloblastoma
Astrocytoma
Gliomas

Symptoms to watch for:

Frequent headaches.
Morning vomiting.
Vision problems.
Behavioural or coordination changes.

MRI scans and neurological evaluations play a crucial role in early diagnosis and treatment planning.

Lymphomas in Children

Lymphomas are a major type of paediatric cancer affecting the child’s immune system, and they occur when abnormal lymphocytes grow uncontrollably. In childhood oncology, lymphomas are broadly classified into:

Hodgkin Lymphoma
Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma

Early signs of paediatric lymphoma include:

Enlarged lymph nodes (neck, armpit, groin)
Persistent fever
Unexplained weight loss
Night sweats or fatigue.

With early diagnosis, imaging tests, and modern treatment success rates, both types of lymphoma in children often show excellent recovery outcomes with chemotherapy and targeted treatment plans.

Bone Cancers in Children

Bone cancers are serious but treatable forms of childhood oncology, most commonly osteosarcoma and Ewing sarcoma. These cancers usually affect older children and teenagers, especially during growth spurts.

Key early symptoms include:

Deep bone pain, often worse at night.
Swelling near joints or a visible lump.
Limping or difficulty moving the limb.

Diagnosis involves X-rays, MRI scans, and a biopsy, followed by precision-based treatments such as chemotherapy, surgery, and sometimes radiation. Early treatment significantly improves survival and long-term childcare outcomes.

Neuroblastoma

Neuroblastoma is a childhood cancer arising from nerve tissues, most commonly in infants and toddlers. It often begins in the adrenal glands or nerve clusters near the spine.

Common symptoms include:

Abdominal swelling or fullness.
Fatigue, irritability, or decreased activity.
Bone pain or difficulty walking.

Diagnosis typically requires imaging scans, CT/MRI, and specialised urine tests that check for tumour-related chemicals. Early detection leads to better treatment success.

Wilms’ Tumour (Kidney Cancer in Children)

Wilms’ tumour is a rare but highly treatable paediatric kidney cancer, mostly affecting children aged 3–5 years.

Signs parents should watch for:

Abdominal lump or swelling.
Blood in urine.
Fever or abdominal pain.

With timely childcare, surgery combined with chemotherapy offers high survival rates in Wilms’ tumour cases.

Retinoblastoma

Retinoblastoma is an eye cancer in children under age 5, often detected during routine eye checks. Early eye screening is essential to preserve vision and prevent cancer spread.

Common retinoblastoma symptoms include:

White glow in the pupil (cat’s-eye reflex in photos).
Vision problems or poor focus.
Squinting or eye misalignment.

Childhood Soft Tissue Sarcomas

Soft tissue sarcomas, like rhabdomyosarcoma, develop in muscles or soft tissues and are among the key paediatric cancer types.

Symptoms include:

Rapidly growing lump.
Pain or swelling in the area.

Treatment usually requires a combination of surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy, offering strong chances of childhood cancer survivorship.

Early Signs of Paediatric Cancer Parents Should Notice

Parents must stay alert to early signs of paediatric cancer, as early detection drastically improves treatment success.

Warning signs include:

Persistent fever
Unexplained weight loss
Behavioural or activity changes
Frequent headaches
Swelling, lumps, unusual bruising
Pale skin or fatigue

If these symptoms persist beyond 2–3 weeks, immediate paediatric oncology evaluation is recommended.

How Paediatric Cancers Are Diagnosed

Diagnosis in childhood oncology requires fast and accurate testing:

Blood tests to detect abnormal cells.
Imaging scans: CT, MRI, PET.
Biopsy or bone marrow examination.
Genetic testing for certain childhood cancers.

Early diagnosis guides precise treatment and improves survival.

Treatment Approaches for Childhood Cancer

Multidisciplinary care boosts paediatric cancer survivorship and quality of life. A comprehensive childcare oncology approach includes:

Chemotherapy is adapted specifically for children.
Surgery for tumour removal.
Radiation therapy for certain tumours.
Targeted therapy and immunotherapy for advanced cases.
Rehabilitation and long-term follow-up for child development.

Family Counselling and Emotional Support

Paediatric cancer affects the entire family. Family counselling helps parents cope with stress, understand treatment plans, and support siblings emotionally. Child psychologists and support groups play a crucial role in reducing anxiety and improving family resilience.

Child Care and Survivorship

Survivorship is a growing success story in childhood oncology, thanks to advanced treatments. Many survivors go on to lead healthy, fulfilling lives with the right long-term care.

Children may require:

Regular follow-up visits.
Developmental and growth monitoring.
Treatment for late effects.
Emotional and educational support.

When to Seek Paediatric Oncology Care

Consult a paediatric oncologist if:

Symptoms last > 2–3 weeks.
Lumps or unusual symptoms appear.
There is a strong family history of cancer.
You need a second opinion.

Why choose Narayana Health

Narayana Health offers:
Expert paediatric oncologists.
Advanced diagnostics and chemotherapy.
Family counselling and survivorship programs.
Multidisciplinary childcare, nutrition, and rehabilitation.

Conclusion

Paediatric cancer is serious but often highly treatable with early detection and specialised care. By recognising early signs and getting timely help, families can ensure the best outcomes for their children. Narayana Health remains committed to providing compassionate, advanced care for children with cancer.

Schedule a consultation today with Narayana Health for expert guidance and care! Call us @08068617735