Cancer in children is not the same as cancer in adults, and requires specialized care. Pediatric oncology is a medical specialty that focuses on treating children with cancer. It is important to be aware of this field of medicine and the treatments available for various types of childhood cancer. Pediatric oncologists are pediatricians who have received additional training in cancer treatment.
They are responsible for diagnosing and treating childhood cancers, and suggesting the best course of action for each individual case. The Division of Pediatric Oncology at the Johns Hopkins Kimmel Cancer Center is dedicated to researching and treating childhood cancers. As one of the leading cancer centers in the United States, Johns Hopkins is at the forefront of developing new treatments and designing clinical trials. Pediatric palliative care is also an important part of comprehensive care, which begins when the disease is diagnosed and continues throughout treatment and care, regardless of whether or not the child is receiving treatment with curative intent.
The main types of pediatric cancer are leukemias, neuroblastomas, Wilms tumors, brain cancers, rhabdomyosarcomas, lymphomas, retinoblastomas, osteosarcomas and Ewing sarcomas.
