Pediatric oncology is an essential field for the diagnosis, treatment, and study of cancer in children, also known as childhood cancer.
This subspecialty focuses on providing treatment for cancer that occurs in children and adolescents; it differs from adult oncology due to the unique set of challenges it faces because of the biological and physiological differences present in younger patients.
Pediatric oncology services also encompass other specialties, including pediatric hematology, radiology, pathology, palliative care, and pediatric oncology nursing support, among others.
What is childhood cancer
The term childhood cancer refers to any type of cancer that occurs in individuals under 18 years old; although childhood cancer is generally rarer than adult cancer, it is still one of the leading causes of death due to disease at this stage of life.
A common characteristic of childhood cancer is that, unlike adult cancer, which is often related to environmental risk factors or lifestyle, most pediatric cancers are caused by spontaneous genetic mutations that occur during early development.
In addition, this type of disease tends to be more aggressive and faster-growing than in adults; however, children also tend to respond better to early treatment, resulting in higher cure rates.
Depending on the type and location of the tumor, symptoms may vary from child to child; however, among the most common symptoms are fatigue, unexplained weight loss, bone pain, swelling, or bruising. All of these symptoms may be similar to those of other illnesses, which makes early diagnosis a challenge.
What does a pediatric oncologist do
A pediatric oncologist is a specialist with the necessary knowledge to treat cancer in children and adolescents. The responsibilities of a pediatric oncologist include:
- Diagnosis: with the support of physical examinations, blood tests, biopsies, or imaging studies, the type and stage of cancer are identified.
- Treatment plans: regardless of the type of cancer, each case is unique, and the pediatric oncologist must develop a personalized treatment plan, choosing among different methods to address the disease.
- Coordination of the medical team: cancer treatment often requires a multidisciplinary approach; therefore, the pediatric oncologist coordinates with other specialists to ensure the best possible care is provided.
- Emotional support: beyond medical treatment, the pediatric oncologist also offers emotional support to patients and their families, helping them cope with the complexity of the disease and its challenges.
- Follow-up: once treatment is completed, the physician provides ongoing follow-up to monitor the patient’s health status and to prevent or detect any recurrence.
Most common types of cancer in children
Although there are various types of cancer that affect children and adolescents, some occur more frequently than others:
- Leukemia: the most common type of childhood cancer; it affects the blood and bone marrow and is characterized by the uncontrolled and abnormal production of white blood cells. Acute lymphoblastic leukemia and acute myeloid leukemia are the most common types.
- Central nervous system tumors: tumors that develop in the brain or central nervous system are the second most common type of cancer in the pediatric population; tumors may be benign or malignant, but both can be risky due to their location.
- Neuroblastoma: a cancer that develops from immature nerve cells in different parts of the body, most often starting in the adrenal glands; it typically affects children under five years old.
- Lymphoma: cancers that affect the lymphatic system, which is part of the immune system; the two main types are Hodgkin lymphoma and non-Hodgkin lymphoma.
- Wilms tumor: a type of kidney cancer that usually develops in children under five years old and is one of the most common kidney cancers in childhood.
Pediatric oncology is essential not only for fighting cancer but also for helping children achieve proper development and growth, all of which are provided within a pediatric oncology center.
Pediatric oncologist near me
At the Pediatrics Center of ABC Medical Center, we have a team of highly trained pediatric oncology specialists dedicated to providing comprehensive, personalized care for all your oncology needs.
Our pediatric oncologists in CDMX are committed to your well-being and use the latest technology and most advanced treatments to manage conditions such as non-Hodgkin lymphoma, leukemia, neuroblastoma, and more.
