Verified Answers
Signs and symptoms of cancer in childhood?
Continued, unexplained weight loss
Headaches, often with early morning vomiting
Increased swelling or persistent pain in the bones, joints, back, or legs
Lump or mass, especially in the abdomen, neck, chest, pelvis, or armpits
Development of excessive bruising, bleeding, or rash
Constant infections
A whitish color behind the pupil
Nausea that persists or vomiting without nausea
Constant tiredness or noticeable paleness
Eye or vision changes that occur suddenly and persist
Recurring or persistent fevers of unknown origin
Diagnostic tests and procedures for cancer?
CBC
Serum chemistries
Liver function tests
Coagulation studies
Urinalysis
Lumbar puncture (diagnostic and therapeutic)
Bone marrow aspiration
Bone marrow biopsy
Chest X- Ray
MRI
CT
PET
MIBG
Describe the mechanism of action for chemotherapy?
Alkylating Agent: replace hydrogen atom of molecule by alkyl group -> unbalanced growth of
unaffected cell constituents and cell death
Antimetabolites: inhibit further synthesis of DNA or RNA
Plant Alkaloids: arrest cells in metaphase by binding microtubular protein needed for spindle
formation
Antitumor antibodies: natural products that interfere with cell division by reacting with DNA to
prevent further replication of DNA and transcription of RNA
What is a possible reaction that may occur with chemotherapy?
Anaphalaxis - potentially fatal complication that may include angioedema, urticaria, flushing, rashes,
bronchospasm, hypotension, nausea, vomiting
How to treat chemotherapy anaphylaxis?