What are the most common paediatric cancers?

Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia (ALL) is the most common paediatric cancer, followed by Acute Myeloid Leukaemia (AML) in the blood. Brain tumours, Neuroblastoma and Wilms’ Tumour are some of the other common paediatric tumours.

What are the conditions for which one must consult a paediatric oncologist?

Any child with persistent headaches, projectile vomiting and or visual changes or unsteady gait should be taken to the doctor to rule out the possibility of a brain tumour. Whitish discolouration of the eye and/or bulging of the eyes must be consulted to rule out retinoblastoma.

Persistent fever, night sweats, weight loss, swelling in the neck, bone pains, mass in the chest, swelling in the bone, abdominal masses may harbour the possibility of a paediatric solid tumour.

Any child with prolonged fever, neck swelling, or low or very high blood count should be taken to rule out the possibility of leukaemia or lymphoma.

What is the survival rate of paediatric cancers?

All paediatric cancers if detected early and treated appropriately, will help in achieving the success rate, effectively.