Rare Forms of Childhood Cancer: Understanding and Raising Awareness

Dr. Srigopal Mohanty ( Medical Oncology), HCG Cancer Centre, Cuttack

When we think of childhood cancer (also known as paediatric cancer), we generally think of leukaemia or bone cancer. But there exists some lesser known yet profoundly impactful stories of the resilience of young souls and the challenges that they face when encountered with rare and often misunderstood cancers. Hence, it is important to demystify the complexities underlying these less prevalent cancers by focusing on the pressing need for increased awareness.

Exploring Appearance and Treatment for Rare Types of Paediatric Cancer –

• Rhabdomyosarcoma (Cancer that grows in muscles): Muscle-specific cancers like rhabdomyosarcoma may show signs like swelling or a lump in the affected area. The chance of survival is dependent on the tumour’s location and stage, and treatment usually consists of chemotherapy, surgery, and radiotherapy.
• Neuroblastoma (Cancer originating in nerve cells): Originating from nerve cells, neuroblastoma can appear anywhere in the body, although it usually affects the adrenal glands or the nerve tissue lining the spine. Treatment for this cancer in children under five years old involves immunotherapy, chemotherapy, and surgery; the prognosis depends on the child’s age, stage, and heredity. Symptoms include abdominal pain, lumps, and changes in bowel habits.
• Wilms tumour (Kidney tumour in children): Wilms tumour frequently manifests as a hard, non-tender abdominal mass. It is primarily diagnosed as a kidney tumour in children. The prognosis for this cancer can vary depending on tumour stage, histology, and patient age at diagnosis, even though treatment for this cancer usually works well, and may involve surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy.

Understanding the Uncommon Challenges:

Recognizing the specific challenges associated with rare childhood cancers is a crucial step towards holistic cancer care. This acknowledgment is pivotal in improving outcomes and cultivating a more targeted and empathetic response to the unique needs of these young patients.

• Delayed Diagnosis: Unfamiliarity with symptoms among parents, families or healthcare professionals can lead to misdiagnosis.
• Fewer Known Treatment Alternatives: For uncommon cancer types, standard protocols frequently do not have enough data, which leaves doctors to choose new ground with limited therapeutic alternatives.
• Psychological Burden: The psychological burden of rare cancers can be overwhelming for families due to the isolating and uncertain nature of the disease.

Awareness for Rare Childhood Cancers:

• Creating Awareness: Discussing rare childhood cancers is like turning on a light in a dark room. Awareness serves as a guiding force, helping us better support families and advocate for more research. Imagine it as being part of a caring community where everyone is informed about these less common battles and that leads in making a world of difference.
• Shining Light on the topic: You don’t need a medical degree to make a difference. Being aware and spreading the word is like shedding a light on the unspoken subject. Share what you learn with your friends, family, and neighbours. Let’s make sure everyone knows that these rare forms of childhood cancer exist, and together, we all can be a source of strength and hope.
• Supporting with Heart: Every child facing one of these rare battles is a superhero in their own way. By understanding their suffering, standing right beside them and letting them know they’re not alone.

In the medical field of paediatric oncology, the exploration of rare childhood cancers highlights their often-overlooked challenges. Despite their lower prevalence on statistical charts, these conditions significantly impact affected children, demanding empathetic understanding, and support. Recognizing these distinct challenges is crucial for fostering improved results and improved outcomes. Advocating awareness becomes a guiding force, illuminating the path for strong support and increased research. Being part of an informed community makes a world of difference, standing united as a source of strength and hope. In understanding and raising awareness, we stand with every child facing these battles, cheering them on, and letting them know they’re not alone—a powerful testament to the resilience of these young superheroes.