If your child has cancer, he or she will most likely be treated by a pediatric oncologist. It is the investigation and treatment of childhood cancer.
The majority of cancers seen in children differ from those seen in adults. Pediatric orthopedic oncology is concerned with cancers that affect infants, children, and adolescents. Pediatric oncology doctors are specially trained to care for your child and keep them comfortable during treatment.
Childhood Cancer Types
While your child may still develop cancers that are more common in adults, the following cancers are frequently seen in children:
- Leukemia
- Tumors of the brain and spinal cord
- Neuroblastoma
- Wilms tumor
- Lymphoma
- Rhabdomyosarcoma
- Retinoblastoma
- Cancer of the bones
Cancer treatment works better in children than in adults. Children are less likely than adults to have other medical conditions in addition to cancer. That means their bodies can withstand more severe treatments than adults' bodies.
Pediatric oncologists are pediatricians who have received additional training in cancer treatment. These doctors search for and diagnose childhood malignancies, as well as recommend the best treatment options for your child.
Chemotherapy, which utilizes strong medication to destroy cancer cells, is usually more effective in children with cancer. Instead of surgery or radiation therapy, which are commonly used for adults, doctors will often employ chemotherapy to treat your child.
Childhood Cancer Diagnosis
Your child's medical history, symptoms, and family history of cancer will be discussed with you by your doctor. If a family member has had cancer, certain children are more likely to have cancer.
Your doctor may also request that your child undergo tests to look for signs of cancer, such as X-rays or MRIs. They may also recommend that your child have a "biopsy." A doctor takes a sample of your child's tissue and sends it to a lab to be tested for cancer cells as part of this test.
If the tests reveal cancer, your doctor may inform you of the disease's stage. Staging determines how far cancer has gone and aids your doctor in determining the best treatment options.
Cancer can be classified into four stages: I, II, III, and IV. If your child's cancer has not traveled widely through their body, the stage will be lower. If it's higher, cancer is more likely.
Look for a reputable Orthopedic Oncology department that specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of soft tissue and bone tumors in children of all ages, from infancy to adolescence.
