Cancer is a critical illness that can affect people of all ages, including teenagers. Although cancer is rare in teenagers, certain types of cancer are prevalent among them.

In this article, we will explore the different types of cancers that teenagers may face.

1. Leukemia

Leukemia is one of the most common types of cancer that affects teenagers. This cancer originates in the blood cells; it is characterized by an abnormal growth of white blood cells in the bone marrow.

Leukemia can be acute or chronic, although acute leukemia is more common among teenagers. The symptoms of leukemia include fatigue, easy bruising, frequent infections, fever, and bone pain. Treatment for leukemia includes chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and stem cell transplants.

2. Lymphoma

Lymphoma is another type of cancer that affects teenagers. Lymphoma is a cancer of the lymphatic system, which is a part of the immune system. The lymphatic system is responsible for carrying lymph fluid, which helps fight infections.

Lymphoma is characterized by abnormal growth of lymphocytes, which are a type of white blood cells. The symptoms of lymphoma include swollen lymph nodes, fever, weight loss, night sweats, and fatigue. Treatment for lymphoma includes chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and stem cell transplants.

3. Brain and central nervous system tumors

Brain and central nervous system tumors are rare, but they are the most common solid tumors that affect teenagers. These tumors originate in the brain or spinal cord and can be benign or malignant.

The symptoms of brain and central nervous system tumors include headaches, seizures, nausea, vomiting, blurred vision, and difficulty with balance and coordination. Treatment for these tumors includes surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy.

4. Sarcomas

Sarcomas are rare types of cancer that affect the connective tissues of the body, such as muscles, bones, and cartilage. Sarcomas are commonly found in teenagers and young adults. These tumors can be benign or malignant and can occur anywhere in the body.

The symptoms of sarcomas include pain, swelling, and stiffness in the affected area. Treatment for sarcomas includes surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy.

5. Germ cell tumors

Germ cell tumors are cancers that start in the cells that produce eggs or sperm. These tumors can occur in the testicles, ovaries, or other parts of the body. Germ cell tumors can be benign or malignant.

The symptoms of germ cell tumors include swelling or a lump in the testicles or ovaries, testicular pain, abdominal pain, and nausea. Treatment for germ cell tumors includes surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy.

6. Thyroid cancer

Thyroid cancer is rare in teenagers, but it can occur. The thyroid gland is a part of the endocrine system, which produces hormones that regulate the body’s metabolism. Thyroid cancer is characterized by abnormal growth of the thyroid cells.

The symptoms of thyroid cancer include a lump in the neck, difficulty swallowing, hoarseness, and neck pain. Treatment for thyroid cancer includes surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy.

7. Melanoma

Melanoma is a type of skin cancer that can affect teenagers. Melanoma is the most dangerous type of skin cancer because it can spread to other parts of the body.

The symptoms of melanoma include changes in the size, color, and shape of moles or other skin lesions. Treatment for melanoma includes surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy.

8. Hodgkin lymphoma

Hodgkin lymphoma is a type of cancer that affects the lymphatic system. Hodgkin lymphoma is characterized by the presence of Reed-Sternberg cells, which are abnormal lymphocytes.

The symptoms of Hodgkin lymphoma include swollen lymph nodes, fever, night sweats, and weight loss. Treatment for Hodgkin lymphoma includes chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and stem cell transplants.

9. Osteosarcoma

Osteosarcoma is a type of bone cancer that can affect teenagers. Osteosarcoma is characterized by the abnormal growth of bone cells. The symptoms of osteosarcoma include bone pain, swelling, and stiffness.

Treatment for osteosarcoma includes surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy.

10. Rhabdomyosarcoma

Rhabdomyosarcoma is a type of soft tissue sarcoma that can affect teenagers. Rhabdomyosarcoma is characterized by the abnormal growth of muscle cells. The symptoms of rhabdomyosarcoma include pain, swelling, and stiffness in the affected area.

Treatment for rhabdomyosarcoma includes surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy.