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TYPES OF CANCER
Basic Cancer Overview
Cancer is the term used to describe many different diseases that
can affect the cells in the body. Normally, new cells in the body
are formed when healthy cells divide. Healthy cells know when to
stop dividing. Cancer cells are unable to stop growing and dividing.
When many cancer cells grow together, they form a tumor. Tumors
can crowd out or invade other organs and interfere with healthy
cell functioning in the body. Because so many cells and organs are
in the body, there are approximately 150 different types of cancer.
Children can get the same kinds of cancer adults get, but some
types are more common among children. Below is information about
the most common childhood types of cancer and how each one can affect children's
experiences with school.
Leukemia
Leukemia, the most common childhood cancer, affects the body's
bone marrow. Bone marrow is the jelly-like material found in the
body's large bones where blood cells are made. The blood is
made up of white blood cells, red blood cells, and platelets. When
leukemia develops, the bone marrow produces large numbers of immature
white blood cells that crowd out the healthy blood cells.
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The white blood cells keep the body healthy by fighting infections
and illnesses. With leukemia, the white blood cells produced by
the bone marrow are not strong enough to do their job. Fewer healthy
white blood cells in the body means children with leukemia are more
likely to get sick easily with infections and fevers. It is important
for you to know if a child in your class has the flu, chickenpox,
or other highly contagious diseases, so you can inform the parents
of the child with leukemia.
Children with leukemia will also have lower numbers of red blood
cells, which carry oxygen through the blood; therefore, children
with leukemia may appear pale and weak. Platelets, which clot the
blood when there is a cut or bruise, are also lacking in children
with leukemia. A child with leukemia may be unable to participate
in physical education classes or other activities to avoid injury.
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Brain or Central Nervous System Tumors
Tumors that develop in the brain are sometimes called central nervous
system tumors. As they grow, brain tumors can crowd out or invade
healthy brain tissue. Depending on where the tumor is located in
the brain, different functions can be affected by the growth of
the tumor, such as memory, learning, senses, emotions, and movement.
This can affect a child's school experience in many different
ways. You may feel more comfortable speaking with the child's
parents and school nurse about the child's condition so that
you are aware of what to expect while the child is being treated.
Lymphoma
Lymphoma is cancer of the lymphatic system. The lymphatic system
is made up of lymph tubes and lymph nodes that are spread throughout
the body, keeping the body healthy by filtering bacteria and other
harmful substances out of the blood. A lymphoma can develop in any
part of the lymphatic system, making it difficult for the body to
fight illness. As with leukemia, children with lymphoma are more
likely to get sick easily with infections and fevers. Try to establish
an open dialogue with the child's parents so that you can
notify them if a child in your class has the flu, chickenpox, or
other highly contagious diseases.
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