8 Cancer Types Common in Children

Pediatric oncology is a term used to refer to the numerous malignant conditions common in children with cancer. The experts who specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of cancer in children are known as pediatric oncologists. Cancer care for children is available in many health facilities all over the world. Improved cancer care among the children has led to increased survival rates.

 

Cancer that affects the children is different from those common in adults. Cancer cells in children appear different when they are examined under a microscope. This makes the treatment method also to be different.

Although cancer treatment in children is complicated and intensive, the survival rate in children is pretty high when compared to adults. Numerous kinds of cancer affect children:

 

1. Leukemia

Leukemia is a type of cancer that affects blood and the bone marrow. Leukemia is regarded as the most common type of cancer in pediatric oncology. Leukemia is classified into acute myelogenous leukemia (AML) and acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL). Both levels result in bone pain, joint pain, general body weakness, fatigue, fever, weight loss and bleeding. The treatment method of leukemia includes chemotherapy after detection to control its spread.

 

2. Tumors of the central nervous system

Tumors that affect the brain and central nervous system are quite common in children. Brain tumors begin developing in the lower part of the brain referred to as the brainstem or cerebellum. The symptoms include headache, vomiting, double vision, nausea and dizziness. In most cases, adults develop these tumors in the upper part of the brain.

 

3. Wilms tumor

Wilms tumor is also known as nephroblastoma. It can affect either one or both kidneys. Wilms tumor is common in children aged between three and four years. Wilms tumor begins by revealing itself as a lump in the child’s abdomen. Later on, other symptoms emerge including pain on the abdomen, poor appetite, fever and nausea.

 

4. Neuroblastoma

Neuroblastoma attacks the embryo’s nerve cells during the early stages of development. This condition is responsible for more than 6 percent of all the cancer cases in children. Neuroblastoma can develop on any part of a child’s body.

 

5. Lymphoma

Lymphomas begin their development in cells of the immune system commonly referred to as lymphocytes. The growth of lymphoma happens in lymph nodes and lymph tissues such as the tonsils and thymus. Lymphoma affect the bone marrow and many other body organs.

 

Symptoms of lymphoma comprise of fever, weight loss, swollen lymph nodes, fatigue and tiredness. The swollen lymph nodes can clearly be seen under the armpits, groin and neck region. The two most common types of lymphoma are the Hodgkin lymphoma and the Non-Hodgkin lymphoma.

 

6. Rhabdomyosarcoma

Rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS) starts by attacking the body cells that develop into the skeletal muscles. Skeletal muscles are the body muscles responsible for controlling body movements.

Rhabdomyosarcoma can affect any region of the body including the groin, leg, arm, belly or neck. RMS is a common soft tissue cancer in children.

 

7. Retinoblastoma

Retinoblastoma is cancer of the eyes that grows in the retina. Retina is part of the eye that is responsible for sensing light and sending the images to the brain. Retinoblastoma affects children who are aged between two and three years.

A child who has the condition develops an unusual look in his eyes. The diagnosis involves checking for a pink or white pupil in the eyes.

 

8. Bone cancer

Bone tumors are found in teenagers and older children. Primary bone cancer is different from the metastatic bone cancer. Metastatic bone cancer begins in a different part of a child’s body and then it spreads to the bones.

 

The two types bone cancers common in children include osteosarcoma and Ewing sarcoma. Osteosarcoma develops in regions experiencing rapid growth of bones. The Ewing sarcoma starts its development in the hip bones, middle of leg bones, and chest walls.

 

The kind of cancer affecting a child determines the treatment options that the specialists will provide. Treatments may include surgery, cryosurgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy. These therapy options can be combined for a better outcome.

 

 

Sources

1. https://www.cancer.org/content/dam/cancer-org/research/cancer-facts-and-statistics/annual-cancer-facts-and-figures/2014/special-section-cancer-in-children-and-adolescents-cancer-facts-and-figures-2014.pdf
2. http://www.cancer.net/cancer-types/childhood-cancer/overview
3. http://www.who.int/ceh/capacity/cancer.pdf
4. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK221740/
5. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2914477/
6. https://www.cancer.org/cancer/cancer-in-children/types-of-childhood-cancers.html

7.https://medlineplus.gov/ency/patientinstructions/000845.htm

8. http://www.childrenscancer.org/main/wilms_tumor_nephroblastoma/
9. https://www.cancer.org/cancer/rhabdomyosarcoma/about/what-is-rhabdomyosarcoma.html
10. http://kidshealth.org/en/parents/retinoblastoma.html
11. https://www.cancer.gov/types/bone/bone-fact-sheet

 

How to Choose the Best Hearing Aid

A hearing aid is a tiny electronic device worn in or behind an individual’s ear. Its purpose is to amplify sound so that a person who has a hearing loss can hear and participate fully in everyday activities.

Hearing aid allows a person to hear and understand conversations in both quiet and noisy places.

A hearing aid is composed of three parts that include the microphone, speaker and the amplifier. The gadget receives sound waves through the microphone, which changes the sound waves into electrical signals. These signals are then sent to the amplifier. The amplifier improves the intensity of the signals and then transmits them to the ear through the speaker.

The hearing aids are useful in enhancing the hearing and speech recognition of individuals who are affected by damaged sensory cells. This kind of hearing loss is referred to as sensorineural hearing loss. The hearing loss related to sensory cells mostly affects the aging individuals.

There are numerous types of hearing aids:

1. Behind–the-ear

Behind the ear hearing aid attaches and holds at the top of a person’s ear. A unique tube usually connects the hearing aid to an earpiece known as the ear mold, which fits well into the ear canal. This type of device is suitable for people of all ages, and it provides additional amplification than other models of hearing aids.

2. In-the-ear

In-the-ear hearing aid is manufactured in two models. One style fills most of the bowl-shaped outer ear. The other design fills only the lower part of the ear. Both types are good for people who suffer from moderate to severe hearing loss.

3. Canal aids

Canal aids fit well into the ear canal. They are prepared in two varieties. The in-the-canal (ITC) aid fits precisely into an individual’s ear canal. A completely-in-canal (CIC) is almost hidden in the ear canal.

A hearing aid is not supposed to restore your normal hearing. However, with practice, a hearing aid will increase sound awareness.

Because hearing aids are used on a regular basis, you should choose a type that is comfortable in your ears. Other factors to consider when choosing a hearing aid include the cost of repair, upgrade opportunities, maintenance and the reputation of the manufacturing company.

Before purchase, you should familiarize yourself with the device in the presence of an audiologist. Audiologists are professionals who are trained to diagnose and treat hearing problems. You should learn how to program and adjust the hearing aid’s volume before carrying it home.

 

 

Sources

1. http://www.uh.edu/class/comd/slhc/hearing-svcs/
2. https://healthcare.utah.edu/ent/treatments-services/hearing-aids.php
3. https://ukhealthcare.uky.edu/ENT/hearing-aids/
4. http://umm.edu/programs/hearing/services/hearing-aids