Finding and Diagnosing Cancer in Children

Most cancers in children are found because a parent or member of the healthcare team notices a sign or symptom the child is having. Some cancers are found during tests for a different problem.

Because cancer in childhood is rare, there are no recommended screening tests for children who have average risk. If a child has a family history of cancer or if they are diagnosed with a type of cancer linked to a family cancer syndrome, the healthcare team might suggest talking to a genetic counselor. They may suggest genetic testing to help identify the child’s risk for certain cancers or possible treatments.

Possible signs and symptoms of cancer in children

Signs and symptoms in children with cancer vary depending on the type of cancer.

Leukemia or lymphoma

Children with leukemia or lymphoma may have:

• Low appetite, weight loss
• Easy bleeding or bruising
• Frequent infections
• Fevers
• Heavy night sweats
• Low energy
• Pale skin
• Shortness of breath or trouble lying down flat
• Swelling in the belly (from a large spleen or liver)
• Bone pain, which in young children may cause them to limp or refuse to walk
• Enlarged lymph nodes, especially in the neck, chest, armpits, or groin area

For more information see Signs and Symptoms of Childhood Leukemia or Signs and Symptoms of Lymphoma in Children.

Solid tumors

Solid tumors are cancers such as neuroblastoma, Wilms tumor, hepatoblastoma, rhabdomyosarcoma, osteosarcoma, and Ewing sarcoma. Children with a solid tumor may have:

• A lump or mass on the arm, leg, chest, neck, or in the belly
• Pain that cannot be explained
• Fevers
• Low appetite, weight loss
• Low energy
• Pale skin
• Easy bleeding or bruising

Each of these tumors may have unique symptoms as well. For example, in some cases, Wilms tumor and neuroblastoma can cause high blood pressure. Wilms tumor and some rhabdomyosarcomas can cause blood in the urine.

Brain tumors

Children with a brain tumor may have:

• Headaches
• Changes in vision
• Nausea or vomiting
• Changes in speech
• Balance problems or trouble walking
• Weight loss or poor growth
• Seizures
• Fatigue or drowsiness

For more information see Signs and Symptoms of Brain Tumors in Children.

When to see the healthcare team

The most common signs and symptoms of cancer in children may be hard to notice because they are also common in other illnesses or injuries. And it’s much more likely that any signs or symptoms are caused by something other than cancer. However, if there’s a sign or symptom that does not get better or go away, even one not on these lists, take the child to a doctor to get checked.

You can find more information about cancer-specific signs and symptoms by looking at a specific cancer type.

What to expect when you see a healthcare professional

The healthcare team will ask about the child’s medical history and any signs or symptoms they have had. Along with a physical exam, they may recommend blood or imaging tests.

If your child’s healthcare team suspects cancer, they will do tests to find out for sure. If something like a lump or unusual area is found, the doctor might want to take a sample to test it for cancer. This procedure is called a biopsy. Biopsies can be done in many ways depending on where the lump is found.

Going through testing and waiting for results can be emotionally challenging. You are not alone. Your healthcare team is a good resource for information and additional support.