Cancer symptoms in children – Health News

prof. Dr. Murat Elli made important warnings about childhood cancers within the scope of 1-7 April Cancer Week. prof. Dr. Pointing out that childhood cancers cover 1 to 2 percent of cancers seen in the society, Elli said, “Cancer is seen much more in adults than in children. As the life expectancy increases, the incidence of cancer increases. There are environmental and congenital factors underlying cancer. Today, there is no significant increase in the incidence of childhood cancers. Only with the development of diagnostic tests is there a slight increase in the incidence of brain tumors. This is a relative increase because today, examination methods have developed a lot.”

CANCER CAUSES FROM TISSUES IN CHILDREN

Pointing out that pediatric patients live longer than adult patients when it comes to cancer, Prof. Dr. Murat Elli said:

“Adults have organ cancers. Prostate and lung cancers in men, uterus, breast and lung cancers in women are common. In children, cancer originates from tissues. Lymphoma disease originating from lymphoid tissues develops. Leukemias originate from the bone marrow and blood-forming cells. Neuroblastoma develops from the sympathetic nerve tissue. In short, cancer develops from tissues, and childhood cancers respond much better to treatment. Therefore, patients who had cancer in childhood now exist as adults in our society. It is not difficult to detect childhood cancers, the most important thing is to pay attention. In particular, physicians should say that this child may have cancer, it can be seen. Another main issue is that families can apply to the doctor early when they suspect.”

ATTENTION IF THE CHILD DOESN’T DO THEIR Usual Misbehaviors

prof. Dr. Murat Elli warned families against the symptoms of childhood cancers as follows:

“If the child’s fever lasts longer than 2 weeks, if the child has developed glands called lymph node enlargement, it is useful to be careful. Every child needs to have glands, these are the body’s defense organs. However, care should be taken if the short diameter of the gland is larger than a small hazelnut, if it has not returned to its normal size despite taking antibiotic treatment and after 2 to 3 weeks, bruises occur in unexpected places on the body. Bruises caused by hitting something are normal, but if there are bruises above the knee, they scare us. One of the most important symptoms is pain. Pain that does not go away in children definitely makes us think of malignancy (malignant tumor). Especially in children aged 5 and in the first 3 years, if limping, inability to step on one’s feet, or if they indicate displeasure and pain when their parents hold their hands, then leukemia or neuroblastoma comes to mind. Pain related to sports passes, but swelling, pain and limping in the extremities and especially in the lower limbs are very important to us.”

THE TREATMENT OF CHILDHOOD CANCER IS MUCH IMPROVED

Stating that one of the most common complaints is headache, Prof. Dr. Elli said, “Children can sometimes do cute tricks to avoid going to school, but if vomiting is also added to them, if they are weak, cannot walk, cannot do the things they used to do, that is, they cannot eat their own food, cannot write, if they lose their abilities and functions, then it is necessary to be afraid. It is necessary to be afraid if the child who does not sleep all the time or does mischief does not do these anymore. Early diagnosis is very important in childhood cancers. At the right time, in the right clinic, with the right team, with the right diagnosis and the right treatment, success is very high. The treatment of childhood cancers is now very advanced. We have entered into use in smart drugs, which we call molecular target therapy. For early diagnosis, it is necessary to reach a pediatrician as soon as possible.