Pediatric Oncology and Nursing

Types of Pediatric Oncology

The most common cancer in children is Leukemia, which is cancers of the bone marrow and blood, are the most common childhood cancers. They account for about 30% of all cancers in children. Brain and central nervous system tumors are the second most common cancers in children, making up about 26% of childhood cancers. Neuroblastoma starts in early forms of nerve cells found in a developing embryo or fetus. About 6% of childhood cancers are neuroblastomas. Wilms tumor starts in one, or rarely, both kidneys. It is most often found in children about 3 to 4 years old. It can show up as a swelling or lump in the belly (abdomen). It accounts for about 5% of childhood cancers. Lymphoma start in certain cells of the immune system called lymphocytes. They most often grow in lymph nodes and other lymph tissues, like the tonsils or thymus. Rhabdomyosarcoma starts in cells that normally develop into skeletal muscles. It makes up about 3% of childhood cancers. Osteosarcoma is most common in teens, and usually develops in areas where the bone is growing quickly, such as near the ends of the long bones in the legs or arms. Ewing sarcoma is a less common type of bone cancer, which can also cause bone pain and swelling. It is most often found in young teens. Germ cell tumors make up about 3% of all childhood cancers. Ninety percent of germ cell tumors are gonadal which are found in the ovaries or testicles and are more common in children and adolescents. Pleuropulmonary blastoma (PPB) is a rare childhood cancer occurring in the chest, specifically in the lungs or in the coverings of the lungs called "pleura". Hepatoblastoma is the most common primary liver tumor in children, accounting for just over 1% of pediatric cancers.