Pediatric oncology is the specialised field of medicine concerned with diagnosing and treating cancer in children and adolescents. It includes care for blood cancers such as leukemia and lymphoma as well as solid tumours.

Possible warning signs include unexplained weight loss, persistent headaches, unexplained lumps, persistent swelling or pain, unusual bruising or bleeding, recurrent infections, persistent fatigue and certain eye changes. These symptoms can also occur in non-cancerous conditions, so medical evaluation is important when symptoms persist.

Common pediatric cancers include leukemia, lymphoma, neuroblastoma, Wilms' tumor, rhabdomyosarcoma, retinoblastoma and osteosarcoma. Children can also develop other less common solid tumours.

Diagnosis depends on the suspected cancer and may include blood tests, imaging studies, biopsy and other specialised investigations. Some conditions may require additional tests to determine whether cancer has spread.

Treatment depends on the specific cancer and may include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, immunotherapy, stem cell transplantation or targeted treatments. Many children receive a combination of treatments as part of a carefully planned cancer treatment strategy.

Surgery is an important treatment for many pediatric solid tumours when the tumour can be safely removed. The role of surgery depends on the tumour's type, location, stage and relationship to surrounding organs and tissues.

Chemotherapy uses medicines that destroy cancer cells or stop them from growing. Depending on the cancer, chemotherapy may be used before surgery, after surgery, together with other treatments or as the main treatment.

Outcomes vary significantly depending on the type of cancer, stage, biological characteristics, response to treatment and overall health. Advances in pediatric oncology have improved outcomes for many childhood cancers, but prognosis is individual and should be discussed with the treating oncology team.

Follow-up is an important part of pediatric cancer care. Children may require monitoring after treatment to assess recovery, development, overall health and possible late effects of treatment. Follow-up plans are individualised according to the child's cancer and treatment history.

Parents should discuss persistent, unusual or unexplained symptoms with a pediatrician or appropriate specialist. If investigations suggest or confirm cancer, specialist oncology assessment can help determine the diagnosis, stage and appropriate treatment options.