Childhood Cancers
Childhood cancer is uncommon but can present through subtle, non-specific symptoms; a palpable abdominal mass, unexplained enlarged abdominal organ, visible haematuria or an absent fundal red reflex should trigger the appropriate urgent UK referral pathway.
Definition
Childhood cancers are malignant diseases arising in children and young people. This group focuses on common extracranial solid tumours: neuroblastoma of sympathetic tissue, Wilms tumour of the kidney and retinoblastoma of the retina.
First principles
The signal is often a symptom, not a named tumour
Children may present with an abdominal mass, distension, pain, haematuria, fever, pallor, weight loss, bone pain, a limp, neurological symptoms or an abnormal eye appearance. These findings are usually benign, but the combination, persistence or unexplained nature should change the threshold for referral. Parents' persistent concern is itself relevant to the referral decision.
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