About this topic
Cancer happens when the cells in the body change and grow out of control. These cell growths are also called tumors. Tumors may be benign or malignant. A tumor that is not cancer and does not spread to other parts of the body is called benign. A tumor that is cancer and can spread to other parts of the body is malignant. ‚
The kind of cancers that children have may be different from an adult. Most often, cancers in children are caused by changes in the cells that happen very early in life. These changes may even happen before a baby is born. Most adult cancers are caused by how people live and environmental choices. Some of these are smoking, drinking, poor food choices, being around certain chemicals at work, or having sex without a condom. ‚
General
There are many ways in which childhood and adult cancer differ from each other. These are: ‚
- Type ¢ ˆ ’ Most of the cancers that happen in children are in the blood, lymph nodes, brain, and bone. The cancers that happen in adults are often found in the lungs, liver, colon, or breast. They may also be found in the pancreas, stomach, cervix, or prostate. There are also types of cancers that grow only in children or adults.
- Growth ¢ ˆ ’ Cancer in children spreads much faster compared to adults. Doctors believe a childs growth hormones can make the cancer grow faster.
- Prevalence ¢ ˆ ’ Fewer children get cancer than adults.
- Treatment facility ¢ ˆ ’ Childhood cancers are most often treated in a special hospital. Doctors who only treat kids' cancer are often in charge of their care. Adults may be treated at a local hospital. Their primary doctor may watch their care, along with a cancer expert.
The more common childhood cancers may include: ‚
- Leukemia ¢ ˆ ’ Cancer of the blood. It affects the bone marrow.
- Lymphoma ¢ ˆ ’ Cancer of the blood. It affects many parts of the body such as lymph nodes, spleen, bone marrow, and other organs.
- Bone cancer ¢ ˆ ’ Cancer in the bone. It often happens in a long bone such as the leg or arm bone.
- Neuroblastoma ¢ ˆ ’ Cancer of the nervous system. There is often a lump in the belly or around the spinal cord.
- Wilms' tumor ¢ ˆ ’ It is a cancerous tumor on the kidney.
- Brain ¢ ˆ ’ Cancer in the brain. These tumors may grow and cause fluid build-up and raised pressure inside the skull.
- Rhabdomyosarcoma ¢ ˆ ’ A fast growing cancer of the muscle. It can grow any place in the body.
Adult cancers are often named after the body part where the tumor started growing. The more common adult cancers are lung, breast, colon, cervix, prostate, and skin. ‚
Will there be any other care needed?
Treatment for cancer is based on the type of cancer, size of the tumor, and cancer stage. Treatment may include a combination of surgery, chemo, and radiation therapy. ‚
What can be done to prevent this health problem?
There is no known way to put off this condition. With early diagnosis and treatment, there is a greater chance of recovering from this disease. ‚
Where can I learn more?
American Cancer Society ‚
http://www.cancer.org/Cancer/CancerinChildren/index ‚
KidsHealth ‚
http://kidshealth.org/parent/medical/cancer/cancer.html ‚
National Cancer Institute ‚
http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/factsheet/Sites-Types/childhood ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
Copyright
Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚