PEDIATRIC MALIGNANCIES

Pediatric tumors are cancers that occur in children and adolescents. These tumors can develop in various parts of the body and can be benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous). Pediatric oncology is the medical specialty focused on the diagnosis and treatment of these tumors.

Leukemia: Leukemia is a cancer of the blood and bone marrow. It is the most common type of cancer in children. The two main types are acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) and acute myeloid leukemia (AML).

Brain and Central Nervous System Tumors: These tumors can affect the brain or spinal cord. Medulloblastoma, gliomas, and ependymomas are some examples.

Neuroblastoma: Neuroblastoma is a cancer that develops from immature nerve cells. It often starts in the adrenal glands but can occur in other parts of the nervous system as well.

Wilms Tumor: This is a type of kidney cancer that primarily affects children. It usually occurs in children between the ages of 3 and 4.

Rhabdomyosarcoma: Rhabdomyosarcoma is a cancer that forms in the soft tissues, such as muscles. It can occur in various parts of the body, including the head and neck, bladder, and reproductive organs.

Hepatoblastoma: This is a rare liver cancer that typically occurs in young children.

Osteosarcoma: Osteosarcoma is a type of bone cancer that usually develops in the long bones, such as the arms and legs.

Ewing Sarcoma: Ewing sarcoma is another type of bone cancer that often affects the bones of the arms, legs, or pelvis.

Retinoblastoma: This is a rare eye cancer that occurs in the retina, the part of the eye that detects light and sends signals to the brain.

Hodgkin and Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma: Both types of lymphomas can occur in children, most common being non-Hodgkin lymphoma.

Treatment for pediatric tumors typically involves a combination of surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, targeted therapies, and immunotherapy, depending on the type and stage of the cancer. Dr.Aswin is able to deliver radiotherapy precisely for the children with malignancies wherever it is indicated and he has published his research on the same.