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Red Flags of Fragkandrea et al for Cancer in a Pediatric Patient: Central Nervous System (CNS) Findings

Description

Fragkandrea et al reported a number of physical findings that may be red flags identifying a pediatric patient with an underlying malignancy. These can help to identify a patient who may benefit from a more in-depth evaluation. The authors are from The Royal Marsden Hospital, Epsom and St. Helier NHS University Hospital, and Panagiotis and Aglaia Kyriakou Children’s Hospital in Athens.


 

Patient selection: pediatric patient

 

Central nervous system findings that may be red flags for malignancy:

(1) new onset of a persistent headache without a history of migraine

(2) new onset of a headache that occurs in the morning, wakens the child or is worse when lying down

(3) new onset of a headache in the occipital region

(4) new onset of headache associated with vomiting

(5) new onset of headache associated with neurologic deficits (cranial nerve palsy, motor signs, sensory signs)

(6) deterioration in school performance of recent onset, progressive and unexplained

(7) change in personality or mood swings of recent onset, progressive and unexplained

 


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