Blood Tests
Blood counts and other laboratory investigations may help assess the child's health and identify abnormalities requiring further evaluation.
Pediatric oncology is a specialised field of cancer care focused on the diagnosis, treatment and management of cancer in children. Childhood cancers require an approach that takes into account the child's age, development, cancer type, stage and overall health.
Care may involve a combination of surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, immunotherapy and other specialised treatments depending on the diagnosis and treatment plan. Support for the child and family is also an important part of comprehensive cancer care.
Pediatric oncology focuses on cancers that occur during childhood and adolescence. Childhood cancers are different from many adult cancers and require treatment strategies tailored to the child's specific diagnosis.
Pediatric cancer care can involve diagnosis, staging, treatment, recovery, follow-up and supportive care. Depending on the cancer, treatment may require a combination of surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, stem cell transplantation or newer systemic therapies.
Because children are still growing and developing, treatment planning also considers long-term health, development and quality of life.
Pediatric oncology extends beyond treating the tumour. Children and their families may require emotional, psychological, nutritional and supportive care throughout the cancer treatment journey.
Childhood cancer can sometimes present with symptoms that are also seen in common childhood illnesses. Persistent, unusual or unexplained symptoms should be evaluated by a healthcare professional.
Persistent or unexplained weight loss may require medical evaluation.
Recurrent or persistent headaches, especially when accompanied by other symptoms, should be assessed.
Ongoing unexplained pain or swelling in the legs, back or joints may require further investigation.
Lumps or swelling in the abdomen, chest, neck or pelvis should be evaluated if persistent or unexplained.
Excessive bruising, unusual bleeding or persistent infections may need medical assessment.
A whitish appearance behind the pupil, persistent nausea or unexplained fatigue should be discussed with a healthcare professional.
The diagnostic approach for pediatric cancer depends on symptoms and the suspected condition. Investigations may help confirm or rule out cancer and determine disease extent.
Blood counts and other laboratory investigations may help assess the child's health and identify abnormalities requiring further evaluation.
A tissue sample may be examined to identify cancer cells and determine tumour characteristics.
In selected conditions, cerebrospinal fluid may be analysed as part of diagnosis, staging or treatment planning.
MRI, CT, ultrasound or other imaging may be recommended to evaluate organs, tissues, tumour location and disease extent.
Treatment and prognosis depend on the specific cancer, its biological characteristics, stage and the child's overall condition.
Leukemia is a cancer of blood-forming tissues and is one of the most common cancers diagnosed in children. Types include acute lymphoblastic leukemia and acute myeloid leukemia.
Childhood lymphoma includes Hodgkin lymphoma and non-Hodgkin lymphoma, with treatment depending on subtype and disease extent.
Neuroblastoma develops from immature nerve cells and commonly arises in the sympathetic nervous system. Treatment depends on risk group and stage.
Wilms' tumor is a kidney cancer that primarily affects children. Treatment may involve surgery, chemotherapy and, in selected cases, radiation therapy.
Rhabdomyosarcoma is a soft-tissue cancer that develops from cells associated with skeletal muscle and may require multimodal treatment.
Retinoblastoma is a cancer of the retina that mainly affects young children. Early diagnosis is important for treatment and vision preservation where possible.
Osteosarcoma is a primary bone cancer that often develops in the long bones. Treatment commonly involves systemic therapy and surgery.
Children can also develop other solid tumours and rare cancers. Specialist evaluation helps determine the appropriate pathway.
Solid tumours can arise in different organs and tissues. Management depends on tumour type, location, stage and surgical feasibility.
The staging system differs according to the cancer type. In cancers that use numerical staging, stages may range from localised disease to more advanced disease.
Disease is generally more limited or localised where this staging system applies.
Disease may have additional local or regional characteristics depending on cancer type.
More extensive local or regional disease may be present depending on the specific cancer.
Advanced disease may involve spread to distant parts of the body in cancers using this system.
Treatment is individualised according to cancer type, stage, risk group, tumour biology, age and overall health.
Surgery may be used to remove solid tumours when appropriate. Planning depends on tumour location, size and surrounding structures.
Chemotherapy may be used before surgery, after surgery or as primary treatment for cancers such as leukemia and lymphoma.
Its use depends on cancer type, age, location and potential long-term effects.
Certain immunotherapies may be appropriate for specific pediatric cancers and clinical situations.
Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation may be recommended for selected blood cancers and other conditions.
Depending on cancer biology, treatment may include targeted medicines or other advanced therapies.
Pediatric cancer treatment affects the child and the entire family. Comprehensive care includes more than treating the cancer itself.
Children who complete treatment may require regular follow-up to monitor recovery, development, late effects and overall health.

Dr. Nitin Singhal is a surgical oncologist with experience in complex cancer surgery and multidisciplinary oncology care. Pediatric cancer treatment should be planned according to the child's diagnosis, age, tumour characteristics and overall health.
When surgery is indicated for a pediatric solid tumour, the surgical approach is selected after careful evaluation. Where required, treatment can be coordinated with medical oncology, radiation oncology, pathology, radiology and other specialists.
A published pediatric case highlighting surgical planning, multidisciplinary care and long-term recovery.
A three-year-old child was treated for a very large Wilms' tumor arising from a horseshoe kidney. The surgical team, led by Dr. Nitin Singhal, successfully removed the tumour.
The case required coordinated assessment involving pediatric oncology, surgery, anaesthesia and other specialists before an urgent surgical plan was selected.
The published follow-up reported that around one-and-a-half years after surgery, the child was living a normal life like other children.
Common questions about childhood cancer symptoms, diagnosis, treatment and specialist care.
Pediatric oncology is the specialised field of cancer care focused on diagnosing and treating cancers that occur in children and adolescents. Treatment is planned according to diagnosis, age, cancer type, stage and overall health.
Warning signs can include unexplained weight loss, persistent headaches, unusual lumps or swelling, bone or joint pain, excessive bruising, recurrent infections, persistent fatigue or certain eye changes. These symptoms can also have non-cancerous causes.
Childhood cancers include leukemia, lymphoma, neuroblastoma, Wilms' tumor, rhabdomyosarcoma, retinoblastoma, osteosarcoma and other solid tumours and rare cancers.
Diagnosis may involve blood tests, imaging, biopsy, lumbar puncture and other investigations needed to confirm the diagnosis and determine disease extent.
Treatment may involve surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, immunotherapy, stem cell transplantation, targeted therapy or combinations of treatments.
Surgery may be an important part of treatment for selected pediatric solid tumours when the tumour can be safely and appropriately removed.
Chemotherapy may be used as the main treatment for certain blood cancers or as part of treatment for solid tumours, before or after surgery.
Outcomes vary by cancer type, stage, risk group, tumour biology and response to treatment. Many childhood cancers can respond well to modern treatment, but prognosis should be discussed for the child's specific diagnosis.
Yes. Long-term follow-up may be needed to monitor recovery, growth and development, late effects of treatment and overall health.
Specialist evaluation may be appropriate when a child has a confirmed cancer diagnosis, a suspected tumour or persistent findings that require cancer-focused assessment.
If your child has been diagnosed with cancer or requires evaluation for a suspected tumour, discuss the diagnosis and available treatment options with an experienced oncology team.
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Dr. Nitin Singhal has been recognised for his contribution to cancer care and surgical oncology, reflecting his commitment to advanced surgical techniques, clinical excellence and patient-centred care.
Surgical oncology training from Tata Memorial Hospital, Mumbai.
Expertise across complex and multidisciplinary cancer surgery.
Honoured for excellence in healthcare and surgical oncology.
Focus on evidence-based and personalised cancer treatment.
Recognition that reflects a continued commitment to excellence in cancer care.
