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Best Paediatric Oncology Service in India

OVERVIEWPaediatric oncology is a medical speciality focused on the diagnosis and treatment of childhood cancers, with experts who specialise in treating infants, children, teenagers, and adolescents. Childhood cancers are a complex group of diseases and treating them requires highly specialised care. Over the past few decades, significant advancements have been made in paediatric oncology research and treatment, leading to improved outcomes for young cancer patients. According to estimates, globally, around 80–85% of childhood cancers can be treated successfully.

Types

Cancer in children is rare but not unusual, and it differs biologically from the cancers diagnosed in adults. The most common types of paediatric cancers include:

Management of Paediatric Cancers

HCG's multidisciplinary team of world-class doctors provides patient-centric and compassionate care, hands-on treatment, and round-the-clock support to families of children affected by cancer. We use leading-edge diagnostic and treatment approaches to diagnose, treat, and manage cancer in paediatric patients.

Diagnosis of Paediatric Cancers

We use multiple tests to detect and diagnose cancer in paediatric tests. These tests help our paediatric oncologists zero in on the final diagnosis, staging, and hence the specific type of treatment plan for ensuring a positive outcome:

Physical Examination and Medical History Assessment:

Involves understanding the signs and symptoms experienced by the patient and assessing their medical history for specific health conditions.

Bone Marrow Aspiration:

Involves examining the sample of bone marrow for the presence of cancerous cells.

Lumbar Puncture:

Involves examining the cerebrospinal fluid for the presence of cancer cells.

Extensive Blood Work:

Involves testing the blood for the presence of cancer cells.

Biopsy:

Involves examining the tissue sample from the suspected area for the presence of cancer cells.

Imaging Tests:

Imaging tests, such as PET-CT scans, MRI scans, X-ray scans, and ultrasound scans, help in the disease staging, understanding the tumour parameters, namely the size, exact location, and grade, and planning the treatment.

Treatment for Paediatric Cancers

The treatment options while caring for paediatric patients depend upon various factors, including the child's age, type of cancer, stage of the disease, immunity, underlying reasons like genetic inheritance, etc.

Some cancers are treated with chemotherapy alone, like the majority of leukaemias (ALL and AML) and many types of lymphomas. In some cases, immunotherapy may be recommended for a better treatment response.

Bone marrow or haematopoietic stem cell transplantation may be recommended for leukaemias/lymphomas or many solid tumours. BMT is also a curative option for many non-oncological benign haematological problems, namely thalassaemia, aplastic anaemia, and many immunodeficiency syndromes.

Surgery is also recommended for the management of paediatric cancers, and it involves the removal of the tumour with a small portion of healthy tissue that surrounds it, the nearby lymph nodes, or the organ affected by cancer, depending on the type, stage, and location of the cancer. Cancers of the brain, liver, bones, kidneys, and eyes often demand surgery.

Radiation therapy is an essential treatment modality for many paediatric cancers. It involves using high-energy radiation to destroy cancer cells and shrink tumours. Destroying tumours through precise radiation delivery helps minimise side effects and reduces the risk of long-term complications in children.

Regular check-ups with doctors, intake of nutritional food, and emotional support from family, friends, and loved ones will help the child recover at a faster rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common symptoms of paediatric cancer include unexplained fever, sudden lumps or swelling, easy bruising, fatigue, pale skin, pain, weight loss, headaches, vision changes, and limping.

Childhood cancers are typically diagnosed between ages 0-19, with the peak incidence of leukaemia at ages 2–14, neuroblastoma below age 2, and bone tumours in adolescents.

Cancer is not contagious, so children can play, attend school, and be around others. However, cancer treatment can lower their immunity, making them more susceptible to infections. Emotional support from family and friends is crucial for children with cancer.

Thanks to medical advancements, over 80% of childhood cancer survivors live for more than 5 years post-treatment and can lead a normal life. However, regular follow-up care is crucial to monitor for any long-term effects of treatment and manage any potential health issues.

Preventing childhood cancers is challenging due to unknown causes, but maintaining a healthy lifestyle, good nutrition, vaccination, regular follow-up with the paediatrician, and seeking specialist care when necessary are important.