Pediatric oncology
Pediatric Oncology
Pediatric oncology (/pɪˌdiːəˈtrɪk ɒnˈkɒlədʒi/) is a specialty discipline in medicine that focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of cancer in children.
Etymology
The term "pediatric oncology" is derived from the Greek words "pais" (child), "iatros" (doctor), "onkos" (tumor), and "logia" (study).
Overview
Pediatric oncology is a challenging and complex field. Unlike oncology for adults, pediatric oncology requires special knowledge of the differences between children's and adults' bodies, as well as the unique types of cancers that can affect children. Pediatric oncologists often work in multidisciplinary teams with other healthcare professionals, such as radiologists, pathologists, surgeons, and nurses, to provide comprehensive care for their patients.
Types of Pediatric Cancers
There are several types of cancers that are more common in children than in adults. These include:
- Leukemia: This is the most common type of cancer in children. It affects the blood and bone marrow.
- Neuroblastoma: This cancer usually starts in the adrenal glands, which are on top of the kidneys. It can also develop in nerve tissue along the spine, chest, abdomen, or pelvis.
- Wilms tumor: This is a kidney cancer that primarily affects children.
- Retinoblastoma: This is a cancer that starts in the retina, the back part of the eye.
- Osteosarcoma and Ewing sarcoma: These are types of bone cancer that often occur in teenagers.
Treatment
Treatment for pediatric cancers often involves a combination of chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and surgery. The specific treatment plan will depend on the type and stage of the cancer, as well as the child's overall health.
Prognosis
The prognosis for children with cancer has improved significantly over the past few decades, thanks to advances in diagnosis and treatment. However, the prognosis can vary widely depending on the type and stage of the cancer, as well as the child's overall health.
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