Pediatric Cancer

What is Pediatric Cancer?

Pediatric cancer, also known as childhood cancers are the type of cancer that occurs between birth and 14 years of age. The most common types of pediatric cancer include blood cancers (leukemia and lymphoma), brain and spinal cord tumors, neuroblastoma, kidney cancer (Wilms tumor), retinoblastoma, and cancers of the bone or soft tissues. 

 

All types of cancers, including pediatric cancers, occur when the DNA in a cell mutates or changes. What causes the mutated cells among children is not known clearly. While adults are at risk because of bad habits like smoking or an unhealthy diet, children are pretty young for those risks that may cause cancer. Herited and a strong family history of cancer may be the first reason, even though it is infrequent and acquired DNA mutations can’t be transferred.

The progress such as healing period, and success rates are different for pediatric cancers and require different treatment for children when it is compared to adults. Nowadays pediatric cancers are highly treatable even though it is potentially life-threatening.  

Each year more than 15,000 children are diagnosed with cancer. Leukemia, neuroblastoma, and lymphoma are more common than the other childhood cancer types.

 

What are The Symptoms of Pediatric Cancer?

Most pediatric cancers are found early, even though the symptoms are sometimes very similar to other childhood illnesses. The early signs of pediatric cancers are bumps or bruises but these signs can easily be masked as the children often get sick or have bumps or bruises. When unusual and insisting signs or symptoms are recognized it is important to visit a doctor for a detailed check. 


  • Unexplained and unusual lump, firmness, or swelling found anywhere in the body,

  • Unexplained paleness

  • Loss of energy and feeling tired all the time

  • Ongoing pain or swelling in the tummy (abdominal) 

  • An ongoing pain on the back or bony that is severe enough to wake the children up in the night,

  • Unable to wee, or there is blood in the wee, 

  • Easy bruising or bleeding, 

  • An ongoing unexplained fever or illness,

  • Frequent headaches, often with vomiting,

  • Unexplained seizures or changes in the behavior and mood,

  • Sudden eye or vision changes

  • Sudden unexplained weight loss

  • Unexplained rash of small red or purple spots 

  • Limping

Treatments for Pediatric Cancer in Turkey (Türkiye) 

Pediatric Cancer treatments in Turkey are planned with surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation. Targeted therapies that directly affect the specific cancer genes or proteins and/or hematopoietic stem cell transplantation that is performed with strong chemotherapy are also options that can be performed in Turkey to treat pediatric cancers. The type of cancer, the cancer’s genetics, and the location of cancer determine the treatment plan. 

Surgery will be the first option when the children are diagnosed with Wilms tumor, neuroblastoma, brain cancers, sarcomas, and its types. The aim of the surgery is to remove as much cancer as possible. Surgery can be planned before, during, or after the radiation therapy. 

 

Radiation therapy is planned when the children are diagnosed with rhabdomyosarcoma, sarcoma, Ewing Sarcoma, retinoblastoma, Hodgkin lymphoma, neuroblastoma, ependymoma, pontine glioma, and astrocytoma. It is the most effective treatment to shrink the tumor. 

 

Chemotherapy is the option when children are diagnosed with hepatoblastoma, retinoblastoma, Ewing Sarcoma, osteosarcoma, brain cancer, ovaries, or testes cancer. Chemotherapy treatment will be planned for both Hodgkin’s and Non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Also, immune system-based cancer types treatment Chemotherapy can be used. 

 

Turkey is the leading country for cancer treatments. As a disease, cancer needs much more care during the treatment because the period is challenging both mentally and physically. Turkey is the destination that gives extra care and support besides its fully equipped facilities and highly experienced oncologists.  

 

When it comes to children, the cancer period is much more different than it means for adults. Children experience cancer differently. In Turkey treatments for Pediatric Cancer are performed in facilities that are dedicated to the children’s unique needs. In a place dedicated to their unique needs, children will feel confident, and relaxed and respond better to the treatment. 


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