4 . Pediatric Lung Cancer Symptoms Can Look Like a Lung Infection
5 . Pediatric Lung Cancer Is Diagnosed With Imaging Tests and Biopsies
cause cells to divide at the wrong time and place , forming tumors . Additionally , mutations in a gene called DICER1 can be found in some types of childhood lung cancers .
History of Cancer
Certain cancer treatments can lead to a higher risk of another cancer later in life . Very young children treated for cancer may be more likely to develop lung cancer as adolescents . In addition to a personal history of cancer , children with a family history of cancer may also be more likely to get lung cancer .
Environmental Exposure
There are also environmental factors that can increase the risk of lung cancer . Children exposed to secondhand smoke from parents or caregivers may develop lung cancer while they ’ re still young . Exposure to radon — a natural gas — or asbestos — a material used in construction and landscaping — are also risk factors for lung cancer .
4 . Pediatric Lung Cancer Symptoms Can Look Like a Lung Infection
Lung tumors make it harder for the lungs to work properly . This can lead to breathing problems like wheezing or shortness of breath . Lung cancer may also cause your child to have other types of symptoms , including :
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Hoarseness Coughing a lot Poor appetite Weight loss Coughing up blood Chest pain General symptoms of illness , like fever and vomiting
Some pediatric lung cancer symptoms may cause a health care provider to think your child has a lung infection like bronchitis . However , symptoms of lung cancer don ’ t improve after treatment with antibiotics and require further investigation .
5 . Pediatric Lung Cancer Is Diagnosed With Imaging Tests and Biopsies
If your child has concerning symptoms , an oncologist ( cancer specialist ) may use an imaging test to look for cancer cells in the lungs or other areas of the body . Different imaging techniques that might be used to diagnose lung cancer include :