Cancer does not respect age. It can affect even
children.
SYMPTOMS: Hodgkin’s Disease is cancer of the lymph nodes or glands. Leukaemia refers to cancer of the
blood. In both these diseases, the child feels weak, complains of
poor appetite, can lose weight, and may have unexplained fever and enlargement of his liver and spleen. In both conditions,
the child can have enlargement of the lymph nodes, but the
nodes are likely to be much more enlarged in Hodgkin’s
disease. They can be found in different parts of the body,
including the abdomen, chest, armpits and groin, but are more likely
to be discovered first in the neck. The chest nodes are
usually detected in an X-ray of the chest.
In leukaemia, severe anaemia, a tendency for bleeding
and tenderness in the bones are the more salient features. Bone tumours cause pain and swelling at the site of the
tumour. The bones of the limbs are commonly affected. Brain tumours lead to persistent headaches, vomiting,
tiredness, visual disturbances, unsteady gait and
convulsions.
Children can also have cancer of the kidney (Wilms’ tumour), the suprarenal gland lying above the kidney,
the liver, the skin and the eye.
The Silver Lining
Fortunately, early detection and treatment can now save
over half the children who get afflicted by cancer.
Although the treatment is an expensive and painful
affair, the prognosis is usually good in children.
