1:PEDIATRIC TUMORS

By: Syeda Shahima Ali

 Pediatric Tumors
• Pediatric tumors, also known as pediatric
cancers are abnormal and uncontrolled cell
growths that occur in children and adolescents.
• These tumors specifically affect individuals
from birth to the age of 18.
• They can develop in various parts of the body,
including the brain, bones, blood, organs and
soft tissues.
 Types of Pediatric Tumors
Benign Pediatric Tumors:
Definition:
Benign tumors are non-cancerous growths. They do not
invade nearby tissues or spread to other parts of the body
(metastasize).
Malignant Pediatric Tumors:
Definition:
Malignant pediatric tumors are cancerous growths that occur
in children and adolescents. These tumors are characterized
by uncontrolled cell growth and the potential to invade
nearby tissues or spread to other parts of the body.
Common Pediatric Tumors
•Neuroblastoma

•Nephroblastoma (Wilms Tumor)

•Leukemia
•Brain Tumors
 Neuroblastoma:

Neuroblastoma is a cancer that develops in immature nerve

cells, often found in the adrenal glands. It primarily affects
young children and infants.
CAUSES:.
• The cause is not well understood. It is associated with
specific gene mutations (Affected genes include KIF1B,
PHOX2A and ALK).
The risk factors include:
• Family history of neuroblastoma increases risk of
developing the cancer.
 Symptoms Of Neuroblastoma
• Wheezing and chest pain in case of neuroblastoma of the
chest
• Constipation and abdominal pain in case of neuroblastoma of
the abdomen
• Lump in abdomen or chest
• Eye changes such as bulging, drooping or unequal pupil size
• Bone pain if cancer has spread to the bones
• Weakness or paralysis
• Fever
• Diarrhea
• Unexplained weight loss
 Nephroblastoma (Wilms Tumor):

Wilms tumor is a kidney cancer that primarily occurs in children.

CAUSES:
• Wilms’ tumor is attributed to genetic causes
• Cancer develops due to errors in cell’s DNA which allows the
cells to grow and divide uncontrollably, forming a tumor
• These errors in cells DNA may be inherited
Risk factors include:
• Race-more common in African-American children
• Family history of Wilms’ tumor
 Symptoms Of Nephroblastoma
• Abdominal swelling
• Abdominal pain
• Fever
• Nausea and vomiting
• Constipation
• Loss of appetite
• High blood pressure
• Shortness of breath
 Leukemia
Leukemia is a cancer of the blood and bone marrow.
It is the most common childhood cancer.
CAUSES:
• The exact cause is not known. Hereditary and
environmental factors may play a role in developing
the disease.
The risk factors include:
• Mutations in the DNA are frequently a major cause.
• Exposure to certain chemicals and radiation can also
induce cancer.
 SYMPTOMS
Leukemia symptoms vary, depending on the type of leukemia.
Common signs and symptoms of leukemia include:
• Swollen lymph nodes especially in the neck and armpits
• Experience pain in bones
• Night sweats - excessive sweating, especially at Night
• Weakness and fatigue
• Rapid weight loss
• Red spots on the skin
• Bleeding and bruising easily
• Fever or chills
• Frequent infections
 Brain Tumors
Brain tumors are abnormal growths of cells in the brain or the surrounding
tissues. They can be benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous).
Brain tumors can originate from brain cells, the membranes that cover the
brain (meninges), nerves, or other structures within the skull.
CAUSES:
Exact cause is not known but few of the possible causes are:
• Genetic mutations leading to uncontrolled multiplication of cells in the
brain which results in a tumor mass
• Cancer in other parts of the body
The risk factors include:
• Family history
• Age - elderly people are at high risk
• Exposure to chemicals and radiations
 Types of Brain Tumors
Common types include:
• Gliomas:
A growth of cells that starts in the brain or spinal cord.
• Meningiomas:
• A tumor that grows from the meninges, the protective
layers around the brain and spinal cord.
• Pituitary adenomas:
Abnormal growths that develop in pituitary gland.
• Metastatic brain tumors:
Tumors that have spread from other parts of the body to the
brain.
 Symptoms
• Headache - which does not subside from over the counter
medications
• Weakness in the limbs, face, or one side of the body
• Impaired coordination
• Difficulty while walking
• Difficulty in routine activities like reading and talking
• Noticeable changes in senses like taste and smell
• Bladder control problems
• Changes in mood, personality, or behavior
• Nausea or vomiting
• Memory loss
 DIAGNOSIS OF PEDIATRIC TUMORS

• Blood tests to diagnose conditions such as

leukemia and lymphoma.
• Biopsy, which is the removal of a small amount of
tissue for examination under a microscope..
• Imaging tests like X-rays, MRIs,and CT-Scans.
• Neurological tests.
• TREATMENT OF PEDIATRIC TUMORS
Treatment may include surgery, chemotherapy,
radiation therapy, and stem cell transplantation
 2: DYSTONIA
• Dystonia is a neurological movement disorder
characterized by involuntary muscle
contractions that cause repetitive or twisting
movements and abnormal postures. These
muscle contractions can be sustained or
intermittent.
 TYPES OF DYSTONIA
• Focal dystonia:
Involves a single area of body. e.g,
neck (cervical dystonia) or hand
(writer’s cramp).
• Segmental dystonia:
Affects adjacent body regions, such as
the neck and arm.
• Generalized dystonia:
Involves multiple body regions, often
beginning in one area and spreading to
others over time.
 CAUSES OF DYSTONIA
The exact cause of dystonia is not always clear, but it is
believed to involve a combination of genetic and
environmental factors. Some forms of dystonia are
inherited, while others may be acquired due to brain injury,
certain medications, or other underlying medical conditions.
DIAGNOSIS OF DYSTONIA:
Diagnosing dystonia typically involves a thorough medical
history, physical examination, and sometimes imaging
studies like MRI to rule out other possible causes of
symptoms. Electromyography (EMG) and genetic testing
may also be used in some case
TREATMENT OF DYSTONIA
There is no cure for dystonia, but treatment
options are available to help manage
symptoms and improve the quality of life for
affected individuals. Treatment approaches
may include medications, Botox injections to
temporarily paralyze muscles & physical
therapy.
THE END!