Comprehensive Pediatric Cancer Treatment at Advanced Oncology Clinics
Pediatric cancer is a challenging and emotional journey for both the child and their family. At Advanced Oncology Clinics, we are dedicated to providing specialized care tailored to the unique needs of children diagnosed with cancer. Our multidisciplinary team of pediatric oncologists, surgeons, and support staff work together to offer compassionate, comprehensive care aimed at achieving the best possible outcomes while ensuring the child’s overall well-being.
Recognizing Symptoms & Signs of Pediatric Cancer
Cancer in children can present with a wide range of symptoms, which may vary depending on the type of cancer. Common symptoms include:
Unexplained Weight Loss:
Fatigue and Paleness:
Persistent tiredness, weakness, or a noticeable paleness, which may be signs of anemia or other blood-related cancers.
Fever:
Lumps or Swelling:
Bruising or Bleeding:
Bone or Joint Pain:
Persistent pain in bones or joints, which may indicate bone cancer or leukemia.
Frequent Infections:
Headaches or Vision Changes:
Persistent headaches, particularly when accompanied by vision changes, vomiting, or dizziness, which could indicate a brain tumor.
Diagnosis & Staging of Pediatric Cancer
Accurate diagnosis and staging are crucial for developing an effective treatment plan for pediatric cancer. At Advanced Oncology Clinics, our diagnostic approach includes:
Physical Examination:
A thorough physical exam to check for any signs of illness, such as lumps, swelling, or abnormal growths.
Blood Tests:
Complete blood counts (CBC) and other blood tests to assess the overall health of the child and detect any abnormalities in blood cells.
Imaging Tests:
MRI, CT scans, PET scans, and ultrasounds are used to visualize tumors and determine their size, location, and whether they have spread.
Bone Marrow Biopsy:
A procedure to remove a small sample of bone marrow for examination, which can help diagnose leukemia or other blood cancers.
Lumbar Puncture (Spinal Tap):
In some cases, a sample of cerebrospinal fluid is taken to check for cancer cells or other abnormalities.
Genetic and Molecular Testing:
Tests to analyze the genetic and molecular characteristics of the tumor, which can guide treatment decisions and identify specific types of pediatric cancer.
Types & Sub-Types of Pediatric Cancer
Pediatric cancer can be classified into different types, each requiring specific treatment approaches:
Leukemia:
The most common type of pediatric cancer, leukemia affects the blood and bone marrow. Subtypes include acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) and acute myeloid leukemia (AML).
Brain and Central Nervous System (CNS) Tumors:
These tumors can develop in various parts of the brain or spinal cord. Examples include medulloblastoma, glioma, and ependymoma.
Neuroblastoma:
A cancer that develops in the nerve cells, typically affecting children under the age of five. It often starts in the adrenal glands but can spread to other parts of the body.
Lymphoma:
A type of cancer that affects the lymphatic system. Subtypes include Hodgkin lymphoma and non-Hodgkin lymphoma.
Wilms Tumor:
A type of kidney cancer that primarily affects young children, usually under the age of five.
Rhabdomyosarcoma:
A cancer that develops in the soft tissues, such as muscles, tendons, and connective tissues. It can occur anywhere in the body but is most common in the head, neck, bladder, and reproductive organs.
Retinoblastoma:
A rare type of eye cancer that primarily affects young children, developing in the retina, the light-sensitive layer at the back of the eye.
Bone Cancers:
Cancers that develop in the bones, such as osteosarcoma and Ewing sarcoma, typically affecting teenagers and young adults.
Comprehensive Treatment Approaches for Pediatric Cancer
Treatment for pediatric cancer varies based on the type and stage of the tumor, as well as the child’s overall health. At Advanced Oncology Clinics, we offer a range of treatment options:
Surgery:
Surgery is often used to remove tumors in pediatric cancer patients. The type of surgery depends on the location and size of the tumor, as well as the type of cancer.
Chemotherapy:
Chemotherapy is a common treatment for many types of pediatric cancer. It involves the use of drugs to kill cancer cells or stop them from growing and dividing.
Radiation Therapy:
High-energy rays are used to target and destroy cancer cells. Radiation therapy may be used before surgery to shrink the tumor or after surgery to reduce the risk of recurrence.
Targeted Therapy:
Drugs that specifically target the genetic mutations within cancer cells, helping to stop their growth. This is particularly effective in certain subtypes of pediatric cancer.
Immunotherapy:
A treatment that helps boost the body’s immune system to fight cancer, particularly in cases of recurrent or metastatic pediatric cancer.
Stem Cell Transplant:
A procedure that replaces damaged or destroyed bone marrow with healthy stem cells, which can be lifesaving for children with leukemia or other blood cancers.
Managing Treatment Side Effects & Coping with Pediatric Cancer
Managing the side effects of pediatric cancer treatment is crucial for maintaining the child’s quality of life. We provide comprehensive support to help patients and their families navigate their treatment journey:
Nutritional Support:
Customized dietary plans to ensure children receive adequate nutrition, which is vital for growth, recovery, and overall health. This is particularly important for pediatric cancer patients who may experience appetite loss or difficulty eating.
Pain Management:
A combination of medications and alternative therapies to manage pain effectively and enhance comfort during treatment.
Physical and Occupational Therapy:
Rehabilitation programs designed to help children regain strength, mobility, and independence, particularly after surgery or other treatments that affect motor function.
Psychological Support:
Counseling and mental health services to help children and their families cope with the emotional and psychological challenges of a pediatric cancer diagnosis and treatment.
Educational Support:
Assistance with maintaining educational progress during treatment, including coordination with schools and providing tutoring if needed.
Post-Treatment Care & Long-Term Monitoring
After pediatric cancer treatment, ongoing monitoring is essential to detect any signs of recurrence and manage long-term side effects. Our approach includes:
Regular Check-Ups:
Survivorship Programs:
Programs designed to help pediatric cancer survivors transition back to normal life, focusing on physical, emotional, and social well-being.
Rehabilitation Services:
Continued access to physical, occupational, and speech therapy to support long-term recovery and improve quality of life.
Long-Term Support:
Continuous access to our medical team for any ongoing care needs, including management of chronic side effects and support for overall health.
Surveillance & Monitoring for Signs & Symptoms of Recurrence
Vigilant monitoring for recurrence is a key aspect of post-treatment care for pediatric cancer patients. Our surveillance program includes:
Scheduled Surveillance Appointments:
Regularly scheduled appointments for physical exams and imaging tests to monitor for any signs of cancer recurrence.
Patient and Family Education:
Providing families with the knowledge to recognize symptoms that may indicate a recurrence of pediatric cancer.
Access to Continuous Care:
Ensuring families have ongoing access to our medical team for any concerns or symptoms that arise between scheduled visits.
Frequently Asked Questions
FAQs About Pediatric Cancer:
Pediatric cancer refers to cancers that occur in children and adolescents. These cancers can affect different parts of the body, including the blood, brain, bones, and other organs. Learn more about pediatric cancer.
Symptoms can vary widely depending on the type of cancer but may include unexplained weight loss, fatigue, fever, lumps or swelling, bruising, bone or joint pain, frequent infections, and headaches. Explore pediatric cancer symptoms.
Diagnosis involves a combination of physical exams, blood tests, imaging tests (MRI, CT, PET scans), bone marrow biopsy, lumbar puncture, and genetic testing. Learn about pediatric cancer diagnosis.
Treatment options include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, targeted therapy, immunotherapy, and stem cell transplant. Explore pediatric cancer treatment options.
The prognosis depends on the type and stage of the cancer, as well as the child’s overall health. Many pediatric cancers have high cure rates with early detection and treatment. Understand pediatric cancer prognosis.
The most common types of pediatric cancer include leukemia, brain and CNS tumors, neuroblastoma, lymphoma, Wilms tumor, rhabdomyosarcoma, retinoblastoma, and bone cancers. Learn about pediatric cancer types.
Follow-up appointments are typically scheduled regularly, depending on the type and stage of cancer and the treatment received. Explore follow-up care.
We offer comprehensive support services, including nutritional support, pain management, physical and occupational therapy, psychological counseling, and educational support. Discover support options.
A stem cell transplant is a procedure that replaces damaged or destroyed bone marrow with healthy stem cells, which can be lifesaving for children with leukemia or other blood cancers. Learn about stem cell transplant.
You can schedule an appointment online or call us directly. Our team will assist you in setting up your consultation.
