Cancer Treatment for Kids

Cancer, in both children and adults, occurs when cells grow rapidly and abnormally, destroying other cells and spreading throughout the body. Cancer robs children of their vitality as it wreaks havoc on their small bodies. According to KidsHealth (part of The Nemours Foundation's Center for Children's Health Media) cancer affects about 14 in every 100,000 children in the United States. The most common forms of cancer found in these children are lymphoma, brain cancer and leukemia. Forms of treatment and curability of the disease vary by case.

Diagnosis

• Early symptoms of childhood cancer, including fever, anemia, bruising, swollen glands and frequent infections, can also be related to causes other than cancer. Depending on the symptoms, a doctor will do a variety of tests, including on blood and urine, X-rays, imaging scans and lump checks. Children diagnosed with cancer are usually treated by specialized pediatric oncology medical centers.

Chemotherapy

• Chemotherapy is a common treatment. When used in conjunction with other treatments, it helps get rid of remaining cancer cells in a child's body. It is administered through the vein, by mouth, or into the child's spinal fluid. The type and duration of chemotherapy depends on the form of cancer affecting the child and how well he is responding to the drugs. Chemotherapy also affects healthy cells, so it comes with short-term side effects such as nausea, fatigue, hair loss, susceptibility to infection, kidney damage and abnormal bleeding. Long-term effects may include damage to other organs, infertility and higher risk of getting other cancers.

Radiation

• Radiation therapy, which usually is applied in conjunction with chemotherapy and/or surgery, treats a child with cancer by exposing her to high-energy beams that damage or destroy cancer cells. Both healthy and unhealthy cells end up being damaged in the process, which means that it has multiple potential side effects such as nausea, shortness of breath, hair loss, diarrhea, fatigue, and dry mouth. Long-term side effects include heightened risk of developing new cancers and infertility.

Surgery

• Different surgeries are used as treatment for cancer. For example, children with solid, stationary tumors may have surgery in conjunction with chemotherapy and/or radiation to remove the cancer. Children with cancers affecting the blood cells or children who need particularly high doses of chemotherapy may receive a bone marrow transplant in order to promote the growth of new and healthy cells.

Coping With Childhood Cancer

• According to KidsHealth, older children should be well-informed of their cancer and their cancer treatment. Toddlers and children of preschool age should have their treatment described in very basic terms, such as, "You are sick and we are going to give you some medicine," so they do not end up becoming confused and overwhelmed. Pediatric oncology facilities typically offer psychological and social assistance to children coping with cancer and their families.