A pediatric hematologist/oncologist is a physician who has special training and experience to diagnose and treat blood disorders and cancers in children, teens, and young adults.
A pediatric hematologist-oncologist specializes in researching, diagnosing and treating blood disorders and cancer in children. Pediatric hematologist-oncologists care for children with blood conditions, such as anemia and bleeding disorders, and cancers, such as brain cancer and leukemia. They often work as part of a healthcare team that includes surgeons, radiologists, pathologists, nurses, and social workers.
A pediatric hematologist-oncologist typically:
- Performs a physical exam and takes a medical history
- Orders and interprets laboratory, imaging, genetic and surgical tests to confirm and analyze the presence of cancer
- Provides preventive screening for blood disorders, such as sickle cell anemia and bleeding conditions
- Diagnoses and treats childhood cancers and acute and chronic diseases and conditions that affect a child’s blood, including problems with blood cell production and blood clotting
- Provides a care plan for cancer treatment, which may include recommending surgery to remove cancer and precancerous cells, radiation therapy, or bone marrow transplantation
- Prescribes medications
- Orders or provides medical treatments to eliminate cancer, such as medication therapy, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and immunotherapy
- Orders or provides palliative therapies, such as medications and physical therapy to manage pain and symptoms
A pediatric hematologist-oncologist may also be known by the following names: children’s cancer doctor and pediatric oncologist.
Who should see a pediatric hematologist-oncologist?
Any child who is diagnosed with or suspected of having a blood disease or a childhood cancer should seek care from a pediatric hematologist-oncologist. Children with cancer or a chronic blood disorder, such as hemophilia, should see a pediatric hematologist-oncologist regularly to monitor and treat their condition. Children with family members who have an inherited blood disorder or condition should see a pediatric hematologist-oncologist for proper screening.
What types of treatments do pediatric hematologists/oncologists provide?
Pediatric hematologists/oncologists diagnose, treat, and manage children and teens with the following:
- Cancers including leukemias, lymphomas, brain tumors, bone tumors, and solid tumors
- Diseases of blood cells including disorders of white cells, red cells, and platelets
- Bleeding and clotting disorders
Where can I find a pediatric hematologist/oncologist?
Pediatric hematologists/oncologists practice in a variety of settings including children’s hospitals, university medical centers, and large community hospitals.
Remember
Children and teens are not just small adults. Their bodies are growing and have unique medical needs. They usually express their concerns differently than adults do. They cannot always answer medical questions, and are not always able to be patient and cooperative.
Pediatric hematologists/oncologists know how to examine and treat young children and teens in a way that makes them relaxed and cooperative. Most pediatric hematologists/oncologists’ offices are arranged and decorated with children and teens in mind, and the clinical team has specific experience and expertise in working with these patient populations.
If your pediatrician suggests that your child or teen see a pediatric hematologist/oncologist, you can be assured that your child or teen will receive the best possible care.
About Dr. Vikas Dua:
Dr. Vikas Dua is the Best Pediatric Oncologist in India and one of the leading consultants in the field of Pediatric Hemato Oncology & Bone Marrow Transplants. He has 20+ Years of experience and has performed many successful BMTs for thalassemia and leukemia cases for children from India, Afghanistan, Iraq, and African Countries. Dr. Vikas Dua – the best Pediatric hematologist in India assists children in understanding and coping with their diagnosis. He is not only skilled in treating diseases; he knows how to interact with children and teenagers to help them through this experience. Treating the condition is important, but supporting the patient and their family is just as much of a priority for him.
