A visit to the cancer ward of a hospital disheartens us! We feel sad to note the degree of suffering. On the positive side, we feel motivated while we observe the "struggle for existence" of the sufferers. Our inspiration to cope up with many difficulties increases when we see so many young people throwing an open challenge to the dreadful disease! They are the real heroes. Youngsters are the buds of the future. They have a long way to go. They have their own dreams and aspirations in life and most importantly, they want to live their lives to the full! But such a beautiful journey can soon come to a halt! Cancer may find its victims from among the youngsters.
Cancer occurs when cells grow abnormally and in an uncontrolled manner. Cancer in young people is a rare occurrence, but there are a few types of cancer which are mostly seen in the yonger generation. These are:
1. Leukemia
It is a cancer of blood-forming cells in the bone marrow. Bone marrow is the soft material in the center of most bones, where blood cells (white blood cells, red blood cells and platelets) develop from one immature cell type, called blood/marrow stem cells. In a person with leukemia, the bone marrow makes abnormal white blood cells, called leukemia cells. Unlike normal blood cells, leukemia cells don't die when they should, and a large number of abnormally functioning leukemia cells full up the bone marrow and may also enter the blood stream. These cells grow uncontrollably and interfere with the functioning of normal white blood cells, platelets and red blood cells.
Leukemia can be of two types - acute lymphocytic leukemia and acute myelogenous leukemia. Acute leukemia is characterized by a rapid increase in the numbers of immature blood cells. Crowding due to such cells makes the bone marrow unable to produce healthy blood cells. Chronic leukemia, on the other hand, is characterized by the excessive build up of relatively mature, but still abnormal, white blood cells. Acute forms of leukemia are the most common forms of leukemia in children, and needs immediate treatment. Leukemia causes problems like anemia, bleeding, infections and bone pain. Leukemia can spread to the liver, lymph nodes, spleen, brain and the testes.
Line of Treatment
Chemotherapy and stem cell transplants (bone marrow transplants) are the basic therapies used. People with leukemia may also be asked to undergo blood transfusion. Proper treatment and cure will lower down the chances of recurrence. The length of the treatment and medicines to be used will differ in both the types of leukemia.
2. Lymphoma
Lymphoma is a type of cancer involving cells of the immune system, called lymphocytes. These cells circulate throughout the body in the blood stream and in the lymphatic system (spleen, lymph nodes, thymus, adenoids tonsils and the bone marrow), which is part of the body's immune system.
Lymphoma can be caused due to the progression of Hodgkin's disease or it can also be non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. Hodgkin's disease is a common occurrence among kids and youngsters which leads to enlargement of the lymph node without any noticeable pain. It can occur either in the neck, armpits, chest or in the lymph nodes. Hodgkin's disease is confirmed after a cellular biopsy. Non-Hodgkin's disease lymphoma is in a way similar to leukemia. The disease is also characterized by the presence of infected lymphocytes. Hodgkin's disease is most common in two age groups: young adults 16 to 34 years of age and in older people 55 years of age and older. Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, on the other hand, is more likely to occur in older people.
Line of Treatment
Both the types of Lymphoma can be treated with chemotherapy, and sometimes radiation therapy may also be used in case of Hodgkin's Lymphoma.
3. Brain Tumors
Brain tumors are not really age specific and they can affect a person of any age group. Brain tumors are of two forms:
- Astrocutomas: The point of origination is the brain cell called astrocytes. This type of cancer does not spread outside the brain to the other parts such as the spinal cord.
- Ependymomas: The point of origin is the lining of the brain ventricles. The four ventricles of the brain serve as a pathway for the cerebrospinal fluid, which has a protective function. The causes of brain tumor are not yet known to us, but one consideration is that it occurs due to some problem at the time of formation of the brain and the spinal cord.
Line of Treatment
A surgery is usually performed if the tumor is at a removable location. It is then followed by radiation therapy or chemotherapy. The chances of complete cure varies from one individual to the other and it also depends on the location of the tumor.
4. Osteosarcoma
Osteosarcoma is a type of bone cancer which usually appears in teenagers during their growth spurts (the period of rapid growth that occurs in adolescence, as a teenager matures into an adult). The cause is yet unknown, but at least one gene has been linked to its increased risk. The same gene is also associated with familial retinoblastoma (a cancer of the eye that occurs in children). Boys are more likely to have osteosarcoma than girls, with the average age at diagnosis being 15.
Osteosarcoma leads to pain and swelling in the arm or leg and it is sometimes accompanied by lump formation. The pain may become more prominent in the night or during exercises. It mainly affects the bones around the knee (shin and thigh). Sometimes, the tumor may detach itself from its original site and travel beyond the bone to the nerves and the blood vessels.
Line of Treatment
It involves chemotherapy and surgery for tumor removal. Amputation may become necessary if there is a difficulty to remove the tumor. Sometimes a limb salvage surgery is performed. In this case, the infected bone is removed and replaced with a metal rod. This eliminates the need for amputation.
5. Ewing's Sarcoma
Ewing's sarcoma is also a type of bone cancer which is common in young adults (usually develops during puberty, when bones are growing rapidly). The tumor usually arise in the long bones of the arms and legs, the pelvis, or the chest. It may also develop in the skull or the flat bones of the trunk. The health effects and symptoms are similar to osteosarcoma.
Line of Treatment
A surgery is suggested depending upon the location of the tumor. Chemotherapy and radiation therapy has also been noted to bring good responses.
People come with a lot of hope and dreams to this world. And young people have a long road ahead. They have a lot of promises to fulfill. But can cancer take away all the promises and hopes? Definitely not! Young people across the world are fighting cancer like brave souls! The success will not get expressed in terms of recovery, but by their years of struggle, during which they have been able to show considerable courage and the spirit of a fighter!
