Childhood Cancer -mollyrose.ie

Molly Rose

Driving Awareness of Childhood Cancer

Mollys Story

Signs of Childhood Cancer

Childhood cancer is relatively rare. However, as a parent, it may be helpful to be aware of the symptoms of childhood cancer:

Continued, unexplained weight loss

Headaches, often with early morning vomiting

Increased swelling or persistent pain in bones, joints, back, or legs

Lump or mass, especially in the abdomen, neck, chest, pelvis, or armpits

Development of excessive bruising, bleeding, or rash

Constant infections

A whitish color behind the pupil

Nausea which persists or vomiting without nausea

Constant tiredness or noticeable paleness

Eye or vision changes which occur suddenly and persist

Recurrent or persistent fevers of unknown origin

Types of Childhood Cancer

There are many different types of cancers that occur in childhood. Below is some detail on the cancer that affected Molly

Neuroblastoma

Neuroblastoma is a cancer of the sympathetic nervous system. It starts in early forms of nerve cells found in a developing embryo or fetus. Neuroblastoma is a solid, malignant tumor which manifests as a lump or mass in the abdomen or around the spinal cord. Nueroblastoma cells can also spread to other body tissues including bone and bone marrow.

The symptoms of Neuroblastoma are variable and dependent on the location of the tumor. Most neuroblastomas are found in the abdomen. A tumor in the abdomen may cause the child to feel "full", experience stomach pain, loss of appetite, constipation and difficulty urinating. The child may have "black eyes", much like bruises. Chest tumors may cause pain, difficulty breathing, or a persistent cough. Tumors that grow in spinal areas may cause the child to have pain, numbness of the lower extremities, constipation and difficulty urinating.

Signs and Symptoms

  • lump or mass in the abdomen, chest, neck, or pelvis
  • loss of appetite, nausea, weight loss, stomach pain, constipation, difficulty urinating
  • changes in the eyes: black eyes, a droopy eyelid, a pupil that doesn't constrict, vision problems
  • pain in the chest, difficulty breathing, persistent cough
  • pain or numbness in the lower extremities, limping, inability to stand, stumbling
  • bone pain, fever, irritability, listlessness backaches (backaches in children are not usual)

Ultrasound and urine tests are used initially to diagnose Neuroblastoma. Bone marrow aspirations and blood test are used to confirm diagnosis