Childhood Cancer

Leukemia is the most common cancer in children. It starts in the blood and bone marrow. The most common types of leukemia in children are acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL) and acute myeloid leukemia (AML). “Acute” means these cancers grow quickly, so they need to be treated as soon as they are found.

Brain and spinal cord tumors are the second most common cancers in children. There are many types of brain and spinal cord tumors, and the treatment and outlook for each is different. In children, most brain tumors start in the lower parts of the brain, such as the cerebellum or brain stem. 

Neuroblastoma is a cancer of immature nerve cells. It is the most common cancer in babies. Sometimes this cancer develops before birth and might be found during an ultrasound. It is most common in babies and young children under 5 years old. 

Wilms tumor (also called nephroblastoma) starts in one or both kidneys. It is most often found in children about 3 to 4 years old. The first sign is usually swelling or a lump in the belly (abdomen). Sometimes it can also cause fever, pain, nausea, poor appetite, or other symptoms.

Lymphoma starts in immune system cells called lymphocytes. It usually found first in the lymph nodes, or sometimes in the tonsils or thymus. Lymphoma can also affect the bone marrow and other organs. Symptoms depend on where it starts and can include weight loss, fever, sweats, tiredness (fatigue), or lumps around the neck, armpit, or groin.

Rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS) starts in cells that normally form the muscles that attach to bone and help us move. RMS can develop almost any place in the body, but the most common areas are the head, neck, bladder, reproductive organs, arms, legs, chest, or belly. Depending on where it is, rhabdomyosarcoma can cause pain, swelling, a lump, or other symptoms.

Retinoblastoma starts in the retina, the back part of the eye. It’s a rare cancer and occurs most often in babies and children under 6 years old. Retinoblastomas are usually found because a parent or doctor notices a child’s eye looks unusual, such as a pupil that looks white or pink when a light is shined on it. 

Ewing sarcoma is the second most common type of bone cancer. Most cases occur in teens and young adults. It usually starts in the bones of the pelvis (hip), ribs, shoulder blades, or legs. These tumors also often cause pain or swelling.