“In Peru, around 1,800 new cases of childhood cancer are registered annually, of which only approximately 1,400 will be properly diagnosed, and more than half of them may reach advanced stages,” says Dr. Esmeralda León, a pediatric oncologist at our clinic, who provides valuable information about this dreaded disease that, if detected in time, can be cured.
What are the most common types of childhood cancer?
- Leukemia in children is a type of cancer that affects the blood and bone marrow. It occurs when abnormal blood cells, called leukocytes or white blood cells, begin to grow and multiply out of control. There are several types of leukemia, but the most common in children is acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL).
- Tumors of the central nervous system. They are the second most frequent cause of malignant tumors. Prognosis depends on several factors, including the type of tumor, its location and response to treatment. Although great advances have been made in their diagnosis and treatment, this type of childhood cancer still represents one of the greatest challenges for health professionals.
- Lymphoma in children ranks third among childhood cancers and affects the lymphatic system, which is part of the immune system. There are two main types of lymphoma: Hodgkin’s lymphoma and non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. Although the exact causes of lymphoma in children are not fully understood, some risk factors and possible triggers have been identified.
What signs and symptoms should we be alert for?
- Most typically, the child has unexplained fever for more than 1 week with no cause found.
- Bruising in areas of the body where the child has not had a previous contusion or blow.
- Appearance of lumps in different areas, which are not painful and generally have a hard consistency.
- Increased abdominal volume.
- Vomiting, especially in the morning, accompanied by headache.
- Pallor and abnormal bleeding.
- Neurological problems such as seizures, muscle weakness, behavioral changes, confusion.
- Bone pain that interrupts the child’s activity.
- Abnormalities in one or both eyes. It presents as a white spot (leukocoria) or deviation of the eyes (strabismus).
- Blurred vision, double vision or blindness.
Early detection and proper treatment are crucial to improving outcomes. If you have concerns about a child’s health, it is important to consult a physician.
Dr. Esmeralda León
Pediatric Oncologist at Clínica Ricardo Palma
