The types of cancers that occur most often in children are different from those seen in adults.
Leukemias, which are cancers of the bone marrow and blood, are the most common childhood cancers. They account for about 31% of all cancers in children.
Brain and central nervous system tumors are the second most common cancers in children, making up about 25% of childhood cancers.
Neuroblastoma starts in early forms of nerve cells found in a developing embryo or fetus. About 6% of childhood cancers are neuroblastomas. This type of cancer occurs in infants and young children.
Wilmstumor starts in one, or rarely, both kidneys. It is most often found in children about 3 to 4 years old, and is uncommon in children older than age 6. It can show up as a swelling or lump in the belly.
Rhabdomyosarcoma starts in cells that normally develop into skeletal muscles. These are the muscles that we control to move parts of our body. This type of cancer can start in the head and neck, groin, belly, pelvis, or in an arm or leg. It may cause pain, swelling (a lump), or both. This is the most common type of soft tissue sarcoma in children. It makes up about 3% of childhood cancers.
Retinoblastoma is a cancer of the eye. It accounts for about 2% of childhood cancers. It usually occurs in children around the age of 2, and is seldom found in children older than 6.
Osteosarcoma accounts for about 3% of all new childhood cancers. It is most common in teens, and usually develops in areas where the bone is growing quickly, such as near the ends of the long bones in the legs or arms. It often causes bone pain that gets worse at night or with activity. It can also cause swelling in the area around the bone.
