Introduction
Paediatric cancers are diseases that affect children and adolescents. They develop from cells that undergo uncontrolled genetic mutations, leading to abnormal proliferation in the body. They can be cured if diagnosed and treated early.
Causes and Types of Childhood Cancer
It is estimated that cancer is diagnosed in children and adolescents every year. These cancers arise as a result of genetic alterations in certain cells, which multiply to form a tumour. However, no direct cause has been clearly identified. Instead, there is talk of favouring factors. These include genetic factors, which represent family predispositions, and environmental factors, including viral infections or malaria, which can increase the risk of childhood cancer. Paediatric cancers can affect any part of a child’s body. Here are some common types of cancer: Retinoblastoma, which is eye cancer, leukaemia, which is blood cancer, kidney cancer, and skin cancer.
Symptoms and Treatments
Each type of cancer presents specific symptoms and requires appropriate treatment. Retinoblastoma can be detected by the following signs: blurred vision, changes in the colour of the iris, redness and inflammation of the eye, etc. For this type of cancer, the appropriate treatments are surgery, chemotherapy and sometimes radiotherapy to destroy the cancer cells. Skin cancer causes changes to the skin. It manifests itself as a large, irregularly-shaped mole, or the appearance of an itchy bump. Treatments include surgery and complementary therapies depending on the extent of the damage. Signs of blood cancer include fatigue, loss of appetite, weight loss, fever and shortness of breath. Patients may also complain of pain and bone vulnerability. To treat blood cancer, the doctor must make a precise diagnosis to determine the type of leukaemia, which will enable the treatment to be adapted. He will decide whether to use chemotherapy or targeted therapies, and sometimes radiotherapy may be used if other organs are affected. It is important to note that the appearance of certain signs does not systematically indicate cancer. However, it is essential to consult a doctor for an accurate diagnosis.
Conclusion
In the past, the prognosis for childhood cancer was poor. However, the considerable progress made in treatment in recent years has meant that cures are increasingly frequent. Research continues to advance, offering the hope of more effective therapies to improve the quality of life of affected children.
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