Early Warning Signs of Childhood Cancer: Symptoms that Should Not be Ignored

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Healthnews: Cancer is a disease that can occur in people of all ages, including children. While childhood cancers are relatively rare, it is important for parents and caregivers to be aware of the early signs and symptoms of cancer in children, so that any potential problems can be identified and treated as soon as possible.

* Here are some of the early symptoms of cancer in children that should not be ignored

> Unexplained weight loss

If a child is losing weight without any apparent reason, it could be a sign of cancer. Weight loss may be accompanied by a loss of appetite or a feeling of fullness after eating very little.

> Fatigue

Children with cancer may feel tired and weak, even after getting plenty of rest. This can be a result of the cancer itself or from the treatments used to fight it.

> Pale skin

Anemia is a common symptom of childhood cancer. If a child has pale skin, appears unusually tired, and seems short of breath, it could be a sign of anemia.

> Swollen lymph nodes

Swollen lymph nodes are a common symptom of many childhood illnesses, but they can also be a sign of cancer. If a child has swollen lymph nodes that do not go away after a few weeks, it could be a sign of cancer.

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> Abdominal pain

Abdominal pain can be a sign of many different things, but it can also be a symptom of cancer in children. If a child has persistent abdominal pain, it is important to have it evaluated by a medical professional.

> Headaches

While headaches are a common childhood complaint, persistent headaches that do not respond to treatment may be a sign of a more serious underlying condition such as a brain tumor.

> Bone pain

Bone pain can be a sign of bone cancer or leukemia. If a child has persistent bone pain, it is important to have it evaluated by a medical professional.

> Unusual lumps or bumps

If a child has a lump or bump that does not go away or is growing larger, it could be a sign of cancer.

> Persistent cough

A persistent cough can be a symptom of lung cancer, which is rare in children but can occur.

> Changes in vision

Changes in vision can be a symptom of eye cancer. If a child experiences vision changes, it is important to have them evaluated by a medical professional.

> Skin changes

Unusual skin changes such as a new mole or change in the color, size or shape of an existing mole can be a sign of skin cancer. Other skin changes to watch out for include unusual redness, swelling or scaling of the skin.

> Bleeding or bruising

Unexplained bleeding or bruising can be a sign of leukemia, a type of blood cancer that is more common in children than in adults. Other symptoms of leukemia include frequent infections, fever and swollen lymph nodes.

> Joint pain

Persistent joint pain or swelling can be a sign of bone cancer or leukemia. It is important to have any persistent joint pain or swelling evaluated by a medical professional.

> Difficulty urinating or having a bowel movement

If a child is experiencing difficulty urinating or having a bowel movement, it could be a sign of a tumor in the bladder or colon. It is important to have these symptoms evaluated by a medical professional.

> Neurological symptoms

Neurological symptoms such as seizures, changes in behavior or coordination, or difficulty walking can be a sign of brain or spinal cord cancer. These symptoms should be evaluated by a medical professional as soon as possible.

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> Nausea and vomiting

Nausea and vomiting can be a sign of many different illnesses, but they can also be a symptom of certain types of cancer such as liver cancer or brain tumors.

> Night sweats

Night sweats can be a symptom of lymphoma, a type of cancer that affects the lymphatic system. Other symptoms of lymphoma include swollen lymph nodes, fatigue and unexplained weight loss.

Childhood / Vecteezy

It is important to remember that these symptoms can be caused by many different things, and most children who have these symptoms do not have cancer. However, it is important to have any persistent symptoms evaluated by a medical professional to rule out any serious underlying conditions.

If you are concerned about your child's health, it is important to talk to your child's doctor. They can evaluate your child's symptoms and order any necessary tests to help determine the underlying cause of the symptoms. Early detection and treatment of childhood cancer can greatly improve a child's chances of recovery, so it is important to be vigilant and seek medical attention if you notice any unusual symptoms in your child.

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