Pediatric Oncology is the branch of medicine dealing with the diagnosis and treatment of cancers in children and adolescents. Childhood cancers are uncommon and differ from adult cancers in their nature, treatment options, response rates, and recurrence.
At Aster Hospitals, our Pediatric Oncology department offers advanced diagnostic technology and novel therapies to ensure accurate diagnosis, effective treatment, and holistic recovery.
With personalized treatment plans tailored for each child, we prioritize their physical, nutritional, and emotional well-being and impart tender, loving care for our young fighters.
At Aster, we treat the person behind the diagnosis, not just the cancer.
Want to find out more about the treatment? The answer to your questions can be found below.
What causes cancer in children?
No specific cause or risk factors have been identified for pediatric cancers. It is believed that DNA mutation causes uncontrolled growth of certain cells, leading to cancer.
How do you diagnose cancer in children?
If any of the above warning signs of cancer are evident, rush to your doctor and get a thorough checkup done. Depending on the type of cancer suspected, the child is prescribed blood tests, bone marrow aspiration, X-rays, CT, MRI, or tissue biopsy. The treatment plan depends on the location, nature, and extent of spread in the body.
What are the side effects of cancer therapy?
Cancer therapies damage normal cells along with cancer cells and further weaken the immune system. This may cause side effects such as frequent infections, mouth sores, hair loss, reduced appetite, frequent need for blood transfusions, gastric issues, and infertility.
What are the common cancers affecting children?
The most common childhood cancer is leukemia, which is an abnormal increase in the white blood cell count. Other common cancers are those involving the lymphatic system (called Hodgkin's and non-Hodgkin's lymphomas), brain and spinal cord (medulloblastoma, glioma), nerve tissue (neuroblastoma), muscles (rhabdomyosarcoma)and kidney (Wilm's tumor).
Is radiation or chemotherapy safe for my child?
Yes, radiation and chemotherapy are relatively safe for children with cancer. These should be done by a skilled medical team in a specially designated cancer facility. Side effects can occur, which require knowledge and palliative care.
Can childhood cancer recur after treatment?
Pediatric cancers show good response rates to treatment, when detected early. However, these cancers may recur, called a relapse. Regular follow-ups are mandatory to monitor for any signs of cancer returning.
Can childhood cancer recur after treatment?
Pediatric cancers show good response rates to treatment, when detected early. However, these cancers may recur, called a relapse. Regular follow-ups are mandatory to monitor for any signs of cancer returning.
What are the side effects of cancer therapy?
Cancer therapies damage normal cells along with cancer cells and further weaken the immune system. This may cause side effects such as frequent infections, mouth sores, hair loss, reduced appetite, frequent need for blood transfusions, gastric issues, and infertility.
Is radiation or chemotherapy safe for my child?
Yes, radiation and chemotherapy are relatively safe for children with cancer. These should be done by a skilled medical team in a specially designated cancer facility. Side effects can occur, which require knowledge and palliative care.
How do you diagnose cancer in children?
If any of the above warning signs of cancer are evident, rush to your doctor and get a thorough checkup done. Depending on the type of cancer suspected, the child is prescribed blood tests, bone marrow aspiration, X-rays, CT, MRI, or tissue biopsy. The treatment plan depends on the location, nature, and extent of spread in the body.
What are the common cancers affecting children?
The most common childhood cancer is leukemia, which is an abnormal increase in the white blood cell count. Other common cancers are those involving the lymphatic system (called Hodgkin's and non-Hodgkin's lymphomas), brain and spinal cord (medulloblastoma, glioma), nerve tissue (neuroblastoma), muscles (rhabdomyosarcoma)and kidney (Wilm's tumor).
What causes cancer in children?
No specific cause or risk factors have been identified for pediatric cancers. It is believed that DNA mutation causes uncontrolled growth of certain cells, leading to cancer.
Personalized Medical Assistant for all your healthcare needs.
Book instant appointment, pay securely, eConsult with our doctors and save all your health records at one place are some of the benefits of OneAster App. It is everything you need, to manage your family Health.
* Registration available only for valid Indian mobile number