Pediatric Oncology at Citizens Specialty Hospital

Pediatric Oncology is a specialised branch of medicine dedicated to the diagnosis, treatment, and long-term management of cancers affecting children and adolescents. At Citizens Specialty Hospital, our Pediatric Oncology department offers comprehensive and compassionate cancer care tailored specifically to the unique medical and emotional needs of children and their families.

Advancements in pediatric oncology have significantly improved survival rates and treatment outcomes over the years. Our experienced pediatric oncologists, hematologists, surgeons, radiation specialists, nurses, and supportive care teams work together to provide advanced, evidence-based treatments with a child-friendly and family-centred approach.

Expert Pediatric Cancer Care

A pediatric oncologist specialises in treating childhood cancers and supporting children throughout every stage of treatment — from diagnosis and therapy to recovery, rehabilitation, long-term follow-up, and palliative care when required.

At Citizens Specialty Hospital, we are committed to delivering personalised care that focuses not only on effective treatment but also on the emotional well-being and quality of life of every child.

Signs and Symptoms of Pediatric Cancer

Early diagnosis plays a crucial role in improving outcomes for childhood cancers. Parents should consult specialists if a child experiences persistent or unusual symptoms such as:

• Unexplained weight loss
• Persistent headaches
• Swelling or ongoing pain in the legs, joints, or back
• Lump or swelling in the abdomen, chest, neck, or pelvis
• Frequent bruising, bleeding, or unexplained rash
• Recurrent infections
• Whitish reflection behind the pupil of the eye
• Persistent nausea or vomiting
• Constant fatigue and weakness

Our specialists at Citizens Specialty Hospital carefully evaluate symptoms and provide early screening and diagnosis for pediatric cancers.

Diagnosis of Pediatric Cancer

Pediatric cancer diagnosis begins with a detailed medical history review, symptom assessment, and physical examination. Depending on the suspected condition, our specialists may recommend advanced diagnostic tests, including:

Blood Tests

Complete Blood Count (CBC) and other laboratory tests help evaluate blood cell levels and identify abnormalities.

Biopsy

A small tissue sample is removed and examined to confirm the presence and type of cancer cells.

Lumbar Puncture

A procedure used to collect spinal fluid samples for diagnosing cancers affecting the nervous system.

Imaging Tests

Advanced imaging technologies such as MRI, CT scans, ultrasound, and PET scans help identify tumour location, size, and spread.

At Citizens Specialty Hospital, modern diagnostic facilities and advanced imaging technologies support accurate and timely cancer diagnosis.

Types of Pediatric Cancer Treated

Our Pediatric Oncology team provides expert care for a wide range of childhood cancers, including:

Leukemia

A cancer affecting blood-forming tissues and bone marrow. Common types include:

• Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia (ALL)
• Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML)
• Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL)
• Chronic Myeloid Leukemia (CML)

Lymphoma

Cancer affecting the lymphatic system, including:

• Hodgkin Lymphoma
• Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma

Neuroblastoma

A cancer originating in immature nerve cells of the sympathetic nervous system.

Wilm’s Tumor (Nephroblastoma)

A common childhood kidney cancer affecting young children.

Rhabdomyosarcoma

A soft tissue cancer commonly affecting muscles in the head, neck, and urinary or reproductive organs.

Retinoblastoma

A rare eye cancer that develops in the retina and often presents with a white reflection in the eye.

Osteosarcoma

An aggressive bone cancer commonly affecting the long bones of the arms and legs.

Stages of Pediatric Cancer

Cancer staging helps determine how far cancer has spread in the body. Pediatric cancers are typically classified into stages ranging from Stage 1 to Stage 4.

• Lower stages indicate localised cancer
• Higher stages indicate advanced spread

Accurate staging helps our specialists develop the most effective personalised treatment plan for each child.

Treatment for Pediatric Cancer

Treatment depends on the type of cancer, its stage, and the child’s overall health. At Citizens Specialty Hospital, we provide advanced, evidence-based therapies designed to maximise recovery while minimising side effects.

Surgery

Surgical procedures are performed to remove tumours or affected tissues using advanced surgical techniques. In certain complex cancers, specialised procedures such as Cytoreductive Surgery with HIPEC may be recommended.

Radiation Therapy

Radiation therapy uses targeted high-energy radiation to destroy cancer cells and shrink tumours while protecting nearby healthy tissues.

Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy uses specialised medicines to destroy cancer cells or stop their growth. Medications may be administered intravenously, orally, or directly into spinal fluid depending on the condition.

Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation

Stem cell transplantation replaces damaged blood-forming cells following intensive chemotherapy or radiation treatment.

Immunotherapy

Advanced immunotherapy treatments help strengthen the body’s immune system to fight cancer cells more effectively. Treatments such as monoclonal antibodies and CAR T-cell therapy have shown promising results in childhood leukemia and other cancers.

Comprehensive Supportive Care

At Citizens Specialty Hospital, pediatric cancer care extends beyond treatment. We provide comprehensive supportive services, including:

• Nutritional counselling
• Pain and symptom management
• Psychological and emotional support
• Rehabilitation therapies
• Family counselling and guidance
• Long-term survivorship and follow-up care

Our compassionate care environment is designed to help children and families feel supported, informed, and empowered throughout the treatment journey.