Atypical clinical manifestations of childhood cancer

ABSTRACT

While the majority of children with cancer come to medical attention because of growing mass, the sings and symptoms of cancer can sometimes be subtle, non specific or confusing and can result in delays in diagnosis and treatment. Our study illustrates 16 cases of different childhood cancer presenting to hospital with atypical manifestation. Fifty% had a hematological neoplasm, while 25% neuroblastoma and 12.5 CNS tumor. The frequency of the more common presenting complaints were as follows Low grade fever in 62.5% bony aches 25%, arthralgia 25%, vomiting 18.75, pallor 18.7% and tenesmus 12.5%. The main diagnostic aids used to reach the final diagnosis were mainly histological examination [B.M., splenic aspirate, tissue biopsy], C.S. scan [chest, abdomen spinal cord] [37.5%] and abdominal sonar [43.7%]