This is a cancer of the white blood cells that are produced in bone marrow, the spongy central area of bone where all blood cells are made. In leukaemia, the bone marrow makes excess abnormal immature or baby white blood cells. These cells grow out of control and enter the blood. They are unable to fight infections and may aggregate or gather in certain organs like the lymph nodes, liver, spleen, skin, testes, and brain. In addition, the bone marrow becomes packed with these abnormal cells, leaving no space to produce normal red blood cells, platelets, and other white blood…

Brain tumours are masses or lumps of abnormal cells that can occur anywhere in the child’s brain. There are many kinds of brain tumours, some are benign (non-cancerous) while others are malignant (cancerous). The symptoms associated with brain tumours depend on the location of the tumour. The common symptoms include a headache with persistent vomiting, often worse in the mornings, changes in walking, balance or speech. Regression of milestones and a rapidly enlarging head may be seen in an infant. Some children develop seizures, and some may develop a new stroke. Diagnostic process These children are usually seen by a GP or…

There are two main types of lymphoma: non-Hodgkin lymphoma and Hodgkin lymphoma. Non-Hodgkin lymphoma These are very aggressive tumours that are fast-growing. They often present with enlarged lymph nodes or glands. These glands may occur  in the neck, above the collar bones, armpits, groin, or the glands in the chest that surround the heart. They may become so enlarged that they can block the drainage of blood from veins of the head and neck, leading to swelling and collapse. Abnormal cancer cells may also cause enlargement of the liver and spleen (abdominal organs), and they may infiltrate the bone marrow, leading to bone…

Nephroblastoma (Wilms tumour) is a cancer or mass that arises within the kidney. Usually only one kidney is affected but occasionally both kidneys may be affected at the same time. These children are often  very well and a mass in the abdomen or flank may be picked up incidentally when the child goes to the doctor for another complaint.  Other symptoms may include abdominal pain, constipation, blood in the urine, and high blood pressure. Tumours that have started to bleed or rupture can cause severe abdominal pain and may require urgent medical attention.  Diagnostic tests Once the diagnosis is suspected,…