Source: Cancer Resource Room
Ovarian
Cancer
Most ovarian tumors in children are benign
(noncancerous). The most common cancers
that affect the ovaries are of germ cell
origin (beginning in cells that give rise
to sperm or eggs), which are more common
in children than in adults. Treatment
is stage related and may include radiation
as well as chemotherapy. (Refer to the
PDQ summaries on Childhood Extracranial
Germ Cell Tumors Treatment, Ovarian Epithelial
Cancer Treatment, Ovarian Germ Cell Tumors
Treatment, or Ovarian Low Malignant Potential
Tumors Treatment for more information.)
To read more on Unusual
Childhood Cancers >>>
Skin Cancer
(Melanoma, Basal Cell Carcinoma, Squamous
Cell Carcinoma)
Melanoma is thought to be the most common
skin cancer in children, followed by basal
cell and squamous cell carcinomas. The
incidence of melanoma in children and
adolescents represents approximately 1%
of the new cases of melanoma that are
diagnosed annually in the United States.
In all instances, melanoma in the pediatric
population is similar to that of adults
in relation to site of presentation, symptoms,
description, spread, and prognosis.
The most common cause of skin cancer of
any type is exposure to the ultraviolet
(UV) portion of sunlight. Other causes
may be related to chemical carcinogenesis,
radiation exposure, immunodeficiency,
or immunosuppression. The person who is
most likely to develop a melanoma is easily
sunburned, has poor tanning ability, and
generally has light hair, blue eyes, and
pale skin. Worldwide, there is an increasing
incidence of both melanoma and nonmelanoma
skin cancers. Melanoma presents as a relatively
flat, dark-colored lesion that may enlarge,
penetrate the skin, or metastasize.
Melanomas may be congenital (present at
birth). They are sometimes associated
with large congenital black spots known
as melanocytic nevi, which may cover the
trunk and thigh. Children with hereditary
immunodeficiencies have an increased lifetime
risk of developing melanoma.
Individuals with atypical moles, which
include raised lesions (that may or may
not bleed) and various color hues (brown,
tan, pink, black) are at an increased
risk of having melanoma and having children
affected by these premalignant lesions.
Basal cell carcinoma generally appears
as a raised lump or ulcerated lesion,
usually in areas with previous sun exposure.
Squamous cell carcinomas are usually reddened
lesions with varying degrees of scaling
or crusting; they have an appearance similar
to eczema, infections, trauma, or psoriasis.
Basal and squamous cell carcinomas are
generally curable with surgery alone,
but the treatment of melanoma requires
greater consideration because of its potential
for metastasis. Surgery for melanoma depends
on the size, site, level of invasion,
and metastatic extent or stage of the
tumor. Prognosis for melanoma in children
and adolescents is similar to that for
adults with similar stage disease, with
the prognosis depending on the tumor thickness
and the extent of spread at the time of
diagnosis. (Refer to the PDQ summary on
adult Skin Cancer Treatment for more information.)
To read more about Unusual
Childhood Cancers >>>
Thyroid Tumors
Tumors of the thyroid (a gland near the
windpipe that produces thyroid hormone,
which helps regulate growth and metabolism)
are classified as adenomas or carcinomas.
Adenomas are benign (noncancerous) growths
that may cause enlargement of all or part
of the gland, which extends to both sides
of the neck and can be quite large. Some
of these tumors may secrete hormones.
Transformation to a malignant carcinoma
(cancer) may occur in some cells, which
then may grow and spread to lymph nodes
in the neck or to the lungs.
 See
medical picture of the thyroid and parathyroid
glands.
Most thyroid carcinomas occur in girls.
Thyroid carcinomas are differentiated
tumors, meaning that they tend to grow
slowly and are not highly malignant.
Surgery is the treatment required for all
thyroid tumors. A total thyroidectomy
(complete surgical removal of the thyroid)
or removal of a portion of the thyroid
is recommended, depending on the type
of tumor. After surgery, hormone replacement
therapy must be given to compensate for
the lost thyroid hormone. Evaluations
at intervals of 4 to 6 months are required
to determine whether the cancer has spread
to the lungs. Patients with thyroid cancer
generally have an excellent survival with
relatively few side effects. Thyroid tumors
that recur (come back) are usually treated
with a radioactive form of iodine. Even
patients with tumor that has spread to
the lungs may expect no decrease in life
span after appropriate treatment. (Refer
to the PDQ summary on adult Thyroid Cancer
Treatment for more information.)
To read more on Unusual
Childhood Cancers >>>
Support
& Education Programs
We know that being diagnosed with cancer can be stressful for you and your
family. We offer a variety of cancer support services to help patients and
families gain the support and information they will need to meet the challenges
ahead.
To find information on the pediatric support
programs, please go to Parents
and Family Programs >>>
Read the most recent SUPPORT
publication, a resource written by
patients and families for patients and families >>>
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