Cancer is just one of those abstract entities in the minds of many people. But when this is related to children and adolescents, no one expects it because cancer is just an adult issue; it could affect even the younger members.
What is Cancer?
To understand why children and adolescents get cancer, first we need to know what cancer is. The human body is made up of small building blocks or cells. Cells help in the normal functioning of our body by growing, dividing, and dying in a controlled fashion.
Cancer begins when a few cells in the body start to develop and reproduce at an incredibly faster rate than what is normal for that body, tissue, or organ. These cells also tend to clump together in a lump or tumor instead of being normal. Sometimes the tumor damages tissues around it, and sometimes these break off to travel to other parts of the body. We call that cancer.
Why do Kids and Teens Get Cancer?
While a lot of cancers tend to take a somewhat different course in children and teens as compared to adults, some reasons relatable for the occurrence of cancers in children are as follows:
Genetics: Cancer results because of some changes in genes. The genes carry information for the cells about their growth and how they should function. When this information becomes imperfect, then the result is cancer. It is not one’s fault; this simply can be one of those chances that could happen. Examples include rare genetic disorders predisposing children to cancer.
Environmental Factors: There are environmental factors, such as exposure to certain chemicals and radiation, that can alter the risk of cancers. In children, though, these are often less significant compared to adults. It is similarly significant to remember that most children who have been exposed to carcinogenic environmental elements do not eventually develop cancers.
Sometimes these are caused by random changes in cells. That would be the random glitch in the video game that changed everything which went wrong. These can cause cells to grow out of control and give rise to the development of cancers.
Infections: A few infections may raise the risk of getting cancer. There are viruses that can cause damage to cells, which might potentially result in the development of cancer. However, not everybody infected with such a virus develops cancer.
Cancers in Children and Teens
Children and teens may get many kinds of cancers. The most common ones are below:
Leukemia: This is a tumor of blood cells; it is a type of cancer that begins in the bone marrow, where blood cells are made. Children with leukemia may become tired, infected, or even bruise easily.
Brain Tumors: These tumors arise in the brain or spinal cord. Symptoms depend on the site of the tumor but may include headaches, nausea, or loss of balance.
Neuroblastoma: This kind of tumor develops in the tissues of the nerves and may appear in a large number of places in the abdomen, outside the abdomen, or in the chest. This normally arises during the early stage of childhood. Common symptoms include an enlarged abdomen and painful bones.
Wilms tumor: This is one of the commonest types of cancer originating from the kidneys. The symptom usually points to an abdominal lump or swelling in the tummy and therefore may not be any different from many other diseases. It is more common among young children.
Rhabdomyosarcoma: This is a soft tissue tumor emanating from muscle tissue. It may develop on almost all parts of the body. It may give the symptom of swelling or pain in the affected area.
How is Cancer in Children Diagnosed?
Diagnosis of cancer is made through the following:
Medical History and Physical Examination: The physician will ask the patient certain questions regarding his or her medical history and will also perform a physical examination in search of malignancy signs.
Tests and Scans: Physicians make use of various tests in diagnosing cancer and also in determining the level of its spread. Such tests include blood tests, X-rays, MRI, CT, and biopsy. A biopsy is the minor surgical procedure that involves taking a sample of tissue to check for cancerous cells.
Staging: If cancer is detected, doctors have to determine the extent of cancer. Staging aids a doctor to choose the appropriate treatment plan. It shows the extent of the cancer to be either localized or spread to other parts of the body.
How is Childhood Cancer Treated?
Treatment options depend on the type of cancer and its stage, as well as the child’s overall health. Common treatments include the following:
Chemotherapy: This is a treatment that involves the use of special medication to destroy cancer cells. Medication can be taken in the form of pills or injected into a vein. Chemotherapy affects the whole body and, therefore, might include side effects such as nausea, hair loss, and tiredness.
Radiation therapy: Powerful X-rays or other types of radiation kill the cancerous cells. It is mainly applied in cases when a tumor is not easily accessible with surgery. The side effects can be irritation of the skin and general tiredness.
Surgery: Sometimes the doctors have to take out the tumor with the help of an operation. Surgery is often applied when one is dealing with solid tumors, allowing one to remove cancerous tissues from the body.
Targeted Therapy: This treatment includes drugs that selectively attack only some parts of the cancer cells. It works by inhibiting the growth of cancerous cells, thus minimizing damage to normal cells. Targeted therapy can be given alone or in combination with other types of treatment.
It helps the immune system of the body to recognize the cancerous cells and fight against them. It is one of the newer modes of treatments and is under further research for a range of cancers.
Stem Cell Transplant: The healthy stem cells replace the bone marrow in this course of treatment. It is also done for cancers other than leukemia.
How Can We Support Children with Cancer?
And if that child or dear one happens to be suffering from the disease, then this is where an expert’s words will do. There are specialists who deal only with problems concerning cancer in children and adolescents. Dr. Vikesh Shah is among the famous Cancer Specialists in Ahmedabad and reputed to be amongst the best Cancer Specialists treating young clients. A cancer doctor in Ahmedabad will help provide a child with cancer the best care and support possible.
What to Expect During Treatment
Treatment for cancer is tough. It is good to get ready for what might occur:
Psychological Support: Treatment of cancer can be traumatic for the child and his or her family. Besides the necessary psychological support, referral to a counselor may be considered if and when necessary.
Follow-up Care: The child should do regular follow-ups with the doctor. Such visits would prove helpful not only in keeping track of his or her improvement but also in updating the doctor for changing or upgrading the treatment, if so deemed necessary.
Managing Treatment Side Effects: Many treatments for cancer have side effects. There are ways to manage these side effects, in order to prevent or reduce them. Talk to the doctor about your concerns or symptoms your child is having.
Healthy Lifestyle: Encourage your child to eat a healthy diet and get plenty of exercise to help them feel better while they are going through treatment.
How to Get Help
If there’s anything that’s causing anxiety regarding cancer or any other factor, don’t think twice. If you believe that your child should visit a specialist doctor, schedule an appointment with the best cancer specialist in Ahmedabad: Dr. Vikesh Shah. It is with Dr. Vikesh Shah and his team of experts that the best possible treatment and advice can be accorded to your child’s health.
Conclusion
It is highly complicated to know the exact reason behind the cancer in children and adolescents; however, it is absolutely essential for conveying appropriate information to the family. Most of the children can get rid of cancer if diagnosed, treated, and given appropriate support. Seeking a Cancer Doctor in Ahmedabad? The search ends here with the expertise of Dr. Vikesh Shah. Please feel free to contact us today to schedule an appointment and speak with a medical professional about how we can help you and your family. Call us now and set your appointment for today with Dr. Vikesh Shah and learn all the ways in which we can help.