Can u be born with cancer
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Can You Be Born with Cancer?
Neonatal Cancer: Rare but Possible
Occurrence and Types of Neonatal Cancer
Neonatal cancer, defined as cancer diagnosed within the first 28 days of life, is a rare but documented phenomenon. Studies have shown that neonatal cancers represent a heterogeneous group of neoplasms with varying clinical presentations and prognoses. In a 15-year study conducted in Italy, 74 newborns were diagnosed with neonatal tumors, accounting for 1.5% of the cancer population during that period. The most common types of neonatal cancers observed were germ cell tumors (55%) and neuroblastoma (16%).
Genetic Predisposition and Diagnosis
Genetic predisposition plays a significant role in the occurrence of neonatal cancers. Approximately 16% of the newborns in the Italian study had a genetic or syndromic condition, and about 10% were identified with a cancer predisposition syndrome (CPS). Prenatal diagnosis was reported in about half of the cases, highlighting the importance of genetic screening and counseling for early detection and management.
Cancer Risk in Children with Birth Defects
Increased Cancer Risk
Children born with major birth defects have been found to have an increased risk of developing cancer. A large Nordic population-based study revealed that individuals with major birth defects had a 1.74 times higher risk of cancer compared to those without defects. This risk was particularly pronounced in individuals with chromosomal anomalies, who had a 5.53 times higher risk of cancer. Another study conducted in Texas found that children with birth defects had a threefold increased risk of developing cancer, with specific increases in germ cell tumors, retinoblastomas, soft-tissue sarcomas, and leukemias.
Specific Birth Defects and Cancer Types
Certain structural birth defects are associated with an increased risk of cancer in the same organ system or anatomical location. For example, defects of the eye, nervous system, and urinary organs were linked to higher cancer risks in those areas. The risk of cancer also increased with the number of defects and decreased with age.
Preterm Birth and Cancer Risk
Hepatoblastoma and Preterm Birth
Preterm birth has been associated with an increased risk of certain cancers, particularly hepatoblastoma. A systematic review and meta-analysis found that children born prematurely had a significantly higher risk of developing hepatoblastoma, with odds ratios ranging from 1.52 to 3.12 across different studies. However, no significant associations were found between preterm birth and other types of childhood cancers such as leukemia, astrocytoma, and neuroblastoma.
Central Nervous System Tumors
While most studies indicate no general increased risk of cancer in children born preterm, some research has shown a specific increase in central nervous system (CNS) tumors. A Danish cohort study found that children born before term had a higher incidence of CNS tumors, particularly medulloblastoma, although the overall risk of childhood cancer did not significantly differ from the general population.
Conclusion
In summary, while being born with cancer is rare, it is possible, particularly in the form of neonatal cancers such as germ cell tumors and neuroblastoma. Genetic predisposition and birth defects significantly increase the risk of developing cancer in early life. Preterm birth is specifically associated with an increased risk of hepatoblastoma and, in some cases, CNS tumors. Understanding these risks can help in early diagnosis and tailored management strategies for affected individuals.
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