Childhood Cancer (ALL)

Question 1

what areas do haematological cancers affect?

and what are the 3 main category/names for them?

Answer 1

blood, bone marrow & lymph nodes

Leukaemia, lymphoma, myeloma

Cell Affected:
Leukaemia - white blood cell MATURATION & PROLIFERATION

Lymphoma - (white blood cell) lymphocytes

Myeloma - Plasma cells

Question 2

what are the most common types of solid tumours in children?

Answer 2

brain tumours

neuroblastoma

osteosarcoma

Question 3

What is ALL?

Answer 3

acute lymphoblastic leukaemia

most common cancer affecting kids - affects bone marrow & blood.

Question 4

what are symptoms of ALL?

Answer 4

• breathlessness, pale, tired
• bruising/bleeding easily
• high temperature/infection prone
• swollen LNs
• irritability
• bone pain
• loss of appetite
• swollen testicles

Question 5

a pt has ALL, what people are in the multidisciplinary team?

Answer 5

• paeds oncologist, haematologist, dentist
• GP,
• Paeds cancer nurse
• psychologist
• social workers

Question 6

what are the treatment options for ALL?

Answer 6

• Chemotherapy
• Stem cell transplant OR bone marrow transplant

Question 7

what are the side effects of chemo for ALL?

Answer 7

• immunosuppression
• deranged blood profiles from normal values

Question 8

After chemo to eliminate host immune system, transplant of healthy stem cells/bone marrow, pt is left with?

Answer 8

• immunosuppression
• deranged blood profiles from normal values

Question 9

what are oral problems of a Pt with ALL?

Answer 9

• increased infection risk during tx
• oral & pharyngeal mucositis
• dry mouth
• increased caries rate
• gingival hyperplasia & bleeding gums
• ORN, MRONJ
• Trismus

Question 10

what are treatment CONSIDERATIONS to be made for a pt with ALL?

Answer 10

• PRIORITISE PREVENTION!
• time appointments around cancer tx
• immunosuppression & bleeding risk
• anxiety
• social & family circumstances