Malignancy Flashcards
Describe the epidemiology of leukaemia
Leukaemia is the most common form of childhood cancer (accounts for about a third of all cases)
What is the most common type of leukaemia in children?
Acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL)
Describe the clinical presentation of ALL
- Peaks at 2-5 years of age
- In most cases, ALL presents insidiously over several weeks, e.g. malaise, anorexia
- Signs of bone marrow infiltration, e.g.: pallor, lethargy (anaemia); increased susceptibility to infection (neutropenia); bruising, bleeding, petechiae (thrombocytopenia)
- Other signs: hepatosplenomegaly; lymphadenopathy
Describe the investigation of suspected ALL
- FBC: low Hb, low WCC, low platelets
- Blood film: blast cells
- Bone marrow biopsy is diagnostic
Describe the management of ALL
- Anaemia: blood transfusion
- Thrombocytopenia: platelet transfusion
- Neutropenia: treat infection
- Chemotherapy
Describe the epidemiology of brain tumours in children
Brain tumours are the second most common form of childhood cancer after leukaemia (account for about 25% cases)
What is the most common type of brain tumour in children?
Astrocytoma
Are brain tumours in children primary or secondary?
Brain tumours in children are almost always primary
Describe the clinical presentation of brain tumours
- Raised ICP symptoms: headache, vomiting, seizures
- Focal neurology, e.g. visual problems, balance/co-ordination problems, behavioural change
Describe the investigation of suspected brain tumour
MRI
Describe the management of brain tumours
- First line: surgery with the aim of maximum resection
- Second line: chemo/radiotherapy
What is Wilms tumour?
Wilms tumour (nephroblastoma) is a type of renal tumour
Describe the presentation of Wilms tumour
- Painless abdominal mass
- Haematuria
Describe the pathophysiology and aetiology of retinoblastoma
- Malignant tumour of retinal cells
- May affect one or both eyes
- Hereditary association: retinoblastoma susceptibility gene is on chromosome 13
- If there is a family history of retinoblastoma, children are screened regularly
Describe the clinical features of retinoblastoma
White pupillary reflex replaces red reflex