Types of Cancer In Children

• Many children in the United States get cancer. The disease in children takes different forms--the most common types are leukemia, lymphoma and brain cancer. The causes of the disease are not the same for children as adults. Children also can develop bone cancer. Cells in the body lose control with cancer and grow in ways the body cannot control. Most cancer in children occurs from noninherited mutations or changes in the gene of cells that grow in the body. Because this occurs randomly, there is no know way to prevent cancer in children.
  
  

Traditional Treatments for Children's Cancer

• Surgery is one treatment used for children's cancer. Children with tumors that have not spread to other parts of the body are good candidates for this treatment. Often, surgery is used to remove the tumor in combination with chemotherapy and radiation. Bone marrow transplants are often used to treat children with different types of cancer. The spongy tissue inside the bones produces or makes red blood cells. This often helps produce healthy new blood cells to grow and is used in combination with chemotherapy. Chemotherapy is a medication used to eliminate cancer cells in the body. The medicine is given orally by pill or by injection. In some cases, it is injected into the spine. Radiation is a common treatment for cancer. It is a stream of high-energy particles or waves that destroy or damage cancer cells. Many childhood cancers are treated by radiation in combination with chemotherapy. Both have side effects to the body such as nausea and hair loss.
  
  

Alternative Treatments Used With Traditional Cancer Treatments

• Acupuncture is an alternative treatment used to treat cancer patients' pain and symptoms from radiation and chemotherapy. Although many studies have been conducted, it is hard to document the success or failure of the treatment. Biofeedback is a technique taught to lessen pain and promote relaxation. It does not cure cancer can but relieves some major symptoms, giving patients control. Guided imagery is a technique used to improve concentration to help cancer remissions and boost immune system functioning. Other therapies include are meditation, yoga and therapeutic massage. Many of the alternative treatments help children relax, concentrate and control symptoms of the disease. Alternative treatments are often used with traditional methods.