Childhood Cancer: Symptoms and Signs

Approved by the Cancer.Net Editorial Board, 08/2023

ON THIS PAGE: You will find out more about the changes and medical problems that can be a sign of childhood cancer. Use the menu to see other pages.

What are the symptoms and signs of childhood cancer?

Cancer can be hard to detect in children. Children with cancer may experience one or more of the symptoms or signs described below, many of which are similar to common childhood illnesses. Symptoms are changes that you can feel in your body. Signs are changes in something measured, like taking your blood pressure or doing a lab test. Together, symptoms and signs can help describe a medical problem. Sometimes, children with cancer do not have any of the symptoms and signs described below. Or, the cause of a symptom or sign may be a medical condition that is not cancer.

Many of the symptoms can be described using an acronym (CHILDCANCER) provided by The Pediatric Oncology Resource Center.

  • 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, frequent, or persistent 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

If you are concerned about any changes in your child, please talk with your family doctor. Your child's doctor will try to understand what is causing your child’s symptom(s). They may do an exam and order tests to understand the cause of the problem, which is called a diagnosis.

If cancer is diagnosed, relieving symptoms remains an important part of cancer care and treatment. Managing symptoms may also be called "palliative and supportive care," which is not the same as hospice care given at the end of life. You can receive palliative and supportive care at any time during cancer treatment. This type of care focuses on managing symptoms and supporting people who face serious illnesses, such as cancer. Learn more in this guide’s section on Coping with Treatment.

Be sure to talk with your child’s health care team about the symptoms your child experiences, including any new symptoms or a change in symptoms.

The next section in this guide is Diagnosis. It explains what tests may be needed to learn more about the cause of the symptoms. Use the menu to choose a different section to read in this guide.