Causes of cancer in infants
Unlike their adult counterparts, the causes of cancer in infants and young children are not yet fully understood.
Although the causes are not fully understood, information suggests that several factors are involved.
genetic factors
Gene mutation: An abnormality (mutation) in some genes inherited from parents may increase the risk of developing cancer. Some cancers, such as retinoblastoma and neuroblastoma, are said to be caused by this genetic mutation.
Genetic syndromes: Children with inherited syndromes, such as Down syndrome and neurofibromatosis, are at increased risk of developing certain cancers.
environmental factors in utero and infancy
Radiation: Exposure to radiation such as X-rays or CT scans during pregnancy has been shown to slightly increase the risk of developing cancer in the fetus.
Chemicals: Exposure to tobacco smoke and carcinogens during pregnancy or infancy may increase the risk of developing cancer.
other
Immune function: The underdeveloped immune system of infants and young children is thought to play a role in the development of cancer.
What types of cancer are infants most likely to develop?
The following is a list of cancers that are relatively more likely to occur in infants.
leukemia
It accounts for about 30% of all childhood cancers and appears to be the most frequent childhood cancer.
Leukemia is a cancer of the white blood cells that occurs primarily in children under the age of two.
Treatment is chemotherapy and bone marrow transplantation.
brain tumors
Brain tumors account for about 20% of childhood cancers.
Symptoms vary depending on the type of tumor and the site of origin, but include headache, vomiting, and gait disturbance.
The main treatments are surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy.
lymphoma
Lymphoma is a cancer that arises from lymphoid tissues involved in immune function, such as lymph nodes, spleen, and bone marrow.
Symptoms include enlarged lymph nodes, fever, and weight loss.
Treatment includes chemotherapy and radiation therapy.
neuroblastoma
Neuroblastoma is a tumor that arises from the back of the body, such as the adrenal glands above the kidneys or the sympathetic ganglia near the spine.
Symptoms include abdominal distention, vomiting, constipation, fever, etc.
The main treatments are surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy.
renal tumor
Tumors arising from the kidney.
Symptoms include abdominal distention, hematuria, fever, etc.
Treatment methods include surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy.
liver tumor
Tumors arising from the liver.
Symptoms include abdominal distention, jaundice, and vomiting.
Treatment includes surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, etc.
germ cell tumor
Tumors arising from the reproductive organs, such as the ovaries and testes.
Other types of cancer, such as osteosarcoma, soft-tissue tumors, and leukemia, may also occur in infants.
What are the treatment options for infant cancer?
The treatment of cancer in infants varies depending on the type of cancer, the degree of progression, the age and physical condition of the affected child, etc. In general, a combination of the following treatment methods is used. 1.
what is surgical therapy?
The most basic treatment is to remove the tumor.
If the child’s physical strength permits, the goal seems to be to remove as much of the tumor as possible.
Recently, minimally invasive surgery (MIS), such as laser or robot-assisted surgery, has been introduced, making it possible to perform surgery with smaller and less invasive wounds. 2.
what is chemotherapy?
Chemotherapy is a treatment to kill cancer cells by administering drugs called anticancer agents.
It may be administered alone or as an adjuvant before or after surgery.
Side effects include nausea, vomiting, hair loss, and decreased white blood cell count in most cases.
Drugs that are effective while minimizing side effects have recently been developed.
What is radiation therapy?
A treatment in which high-energy radiation is irradiated to cancer cells to kill them.
It is used to treat tumors that cannot be removed by surgery and cancer that has spread to the lymph nodes.
Side effects include dermatitis, hair loss, and fatigue.
What is hematopoietic stem cell transplantation?
Also called bone marrow transplantation, this treatment regenerates bone marrow that has been destroyed by cancer cells by transplanting hematopoietic stem cells.
It is used to treat leukemia and malignant lymphoma.
A compatible donor is required, and there is a risk of infection and rejection after transplantation. 5.
What is immunotherapy?
A treatment method that enhances the patient’s immune system to attack cancer cells.
It is one of the most talked-about treatment methods recently.
Immunotherapy for cancer has made remarkable progress and has been shown to be effective in treating cancers that were difficult to treat with conventional therapies.
One side effect is the possibility of developing autoimmune diseases, but in most cases the side effects are relatively mild compared to other treatment methods.
What is multidisciplinary treatment?
As mentioned above, there are various treatment methods for infant cancer, but in recent years, multidisciplinary treatment, which combines several treatment methods, has become the mainstream treatment method.
Notes
The treatment of cancer in infants and young children requires a high level of skill and experience by specialists.
The choice of treatment and the specific details of the treatment are determined according to the individual circumstances of the child.
The duration of treatment is often long and burdensome for the child and family.
Recently, however, systems have been developed to provide support during the treatment period.
Summary
Treating cancer in infants is never easy. However, in recent years, advances in treatment methods have improved the cure rate, and many children are being cured completely.
