Symptoms and Signs of Cancer in the School‐Age Child

Abstract

The American Cancer Society's seven warning signs of cancer are: 1. Unusual bleeding or discharge. 2. A lump or thickening in the breast or elsewhere. 3. A sore that does not heal. 4. Change in bowel or bladder habits. 5. Hoarseness or cough. 6. Indigestion or difficulty in swallowing. 7. Change in size or color of a wart or mole. These signs apply to children as well as to adults. Cancer in children, however, is often more insidious than in adults and may well mimic many other diseases, developmental processess, or childhood psychologic problems. The knowledge that cancer kills more children than any other disease and the awareness of the presenting symptoms and signs may well save a child's life. Early detection with prompt, aggressive therapy is of paramount importance in achieving cures in childhood cancer.

Diagnóstico precoce do câncer infantil: responsabilidade de todos

“…É preciso que os pediatras estejam atentos que o diagnóstico de câncer na infância não é sinônimo de morte e que a detecção precoce e o tratamento especializado e agressivo têm alcançado altos índi-ces de cura na atualidade 13 .…”

Misdiagnosis of Child Abuse Related to Delay in Diagnosing a Paediatric Brain Tumour©

“…Similarly, Starling and Shepherd (1977: 144) counsel that cancer in children, "is often more insidious than in adults and may well mimic many other diseases, developmental processes, or childhood psychological problems. The knowledge that cancer kills more children than any other disease and the awareness of the presenting symptoms and signs may well save a child's life.…”