Pediatric oncology is a vital medical specialty focused on diagnosing, treating, and supporting children and adolescents with cancer. Unlike adult oncology, pediatric oncology considers the unique biology of childhood cancers and the emotional, developmental, and social needs of young patients and their families.
At Liv Hospital, children facing cancer receive state-of-the-art care through a multidisciplinary approach, blending advanced technology with compassionate expertise. Liv Hospital’s dedicated Pediatric Oncology Clinic ensures each family benefits from the most current diagnostic, treatment, and support methods available.
What Is Pediatric Oncology?
Pediatric oncology addresses the prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and long-term follow-up of cancer in patients from infancy to late adolescence. Childhood cancers are rare compared to adult cancers, but they tend to be aggressive and biologically different from the forms seen in adults. Early detection and expert management are essential for improving survival and quality of life.
Pediatric oncologists are highly trained physicians specializing in both cancer therapies and the complex care required by children. They are also skilled at addressing the impact of treatment on a child’s growth, education, and emotional wellbeing.
Common Types of Childhood Cancer
The most frequent cancers in children differ significantly from those seen in adults. The main types are:
- Leukemia: A cancer of the blood and bone marrow, especially acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) and acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Leukemia accounts for about one third of all childhood cancers.
- Brain and central nervous system tumors: Including gliomas, medulloblastomas, and ependymomas.
- Neuroblastoma: A tumor that develops from immature nerve cells, commonly found in infants and young children.
- Wilms tumor: Kidney cancer that mainly affects children under five years old.
- Lymphomas: Cancer of the lymphatic system, including both Hodgkin and non-Hodgkin types.
- Rhabdomyosarcoma: A soft tissue sarcoma arising from muscle cells.
- Retinoblastoma: Cancer of the retina, usually found in children younger than five.
- Bone cancers: Most commonly osteosarcoma and Ewing’s sarcoma, usually developing in adolescents.
Timely diagnosis and specialized treatment planning are crucial for managing these complex diseases.
Diagnosis and Multidisciplinary Approach
Diagnosing pediatric cancer requires sophisticated tools and a team-based approach. At Liv Hospital, the pediatric oncology council—a unique multidisciplinary group—carefully assesses each case, combining the input of oncologists, surgeons, radiologists, hematologists, pathologists, and allied specialists.
Key diagnostic steps include:
- Physical examination and detailed family/medical history
- Blood and bone marrow tests
- Imaging: MRI, CT, ultrasound, or PET scans
- Biopsy and molecular/genetic testing of tumors
Rapid, precise diagnosis enables timely initiation of the most effective therapies.
Treatment Modalities in Pediatric Oncology
Pediatric oncology employs a personalized, team-based model, choosing treatments based on cancer type, stage, and the unique needs of each patient. Main treatment options include:
- Chemotherapy: The leading therapy for many pediatric cancers, chemotherapy uses powerful drugs to destroy cancer cells throughout the body.
- Surgery: Used to remove solid tumors or affected organs, guided by careful planning to reduce risks and complications.
- Radiation therapy: Delivers high-energy rays to target and destroy cancer cells, often reserved for brain tumors, bone cancers, and selected lymphomas.
- Stem cell/Bone marrow transplantation: Used for blood cancers like leukemia and lymphoma, restoring healthy blood-forming cells after intensive treatment.
- Immunotherapy and targeted therapy: Cutting-edge treatments that harness the body’s immune system or target specific genes within tumor cells.
- Personalized psycho-social support: Child life specialists, psychologists, and social workers are integral in helping families cope with the stress and impact of a cancer diagnosis.
At Liv Hospital, all procedures are coordinated for safety and comfort, with attention to supporting both the child and their family throughout treatment and follow-up.
Recent Advances and Hope for the Future
Research in pediatric oncology has resulted in significant progress, with many childhood cancers now reaching cure rates above 80%. Advances in molecular medicine, immunotherapy, precision-targeted drugs, and genetic testing allow children to receive safer, more personalized therapies and experience better long-term survivorship.
Liv Hospital invests in the latest technology and treatment algorithms, offering access to innovative therapies, clinical trials, and a second-opinion program for difficult cases. Survivorship care at Liv Hospital supports growth, development, and quality of life long after treatment concludes.
Why Choose Liv Hospital for Pediatric Oncology?
Liv Hospital stands out for its pediatric oncology services due to:
- A team of expert pediatric oncologists
- A multidisciplinary council and quick decision-making
- Comprehensive diagnostic and treatment facilities
- Cutting-edge technology and access to new therapies
- Holistic, family-centered support
- International patient support and second-opinion options
For more information or to schedule a consultation, visit the Liv Hospital homepage or the Pediatric Oncology Department.
