Presbyterian Blume Pediatric Hematology and Oncology Clinic is one of the premier pediatric cancer clinics in the country. Our board certified pediatric oncologists and pediatric oncology nurses are committed to providing the best cancer care for children ranging in age from infancy to adolescence.
Oncology Definition
Oncology is the field of medicine devoted to the study and treatment of cancer. The doctors in our clinic have devoted their careers to diagnosing and treating childhood cancers. Common cancer treatments include radiation, chemotherapy and, in some cases, surgery. Just like every child is different, every case is also different. Your physician will outline a personalized treatment plan based on your child’s diagnosis.
Research and Clinical Trials
Presbyterian Blume Pediatric Hematology and Oncology Clinic is an important part of the Presbyterian Hospital Center for Cancer Research. We are home to the hospital system’s pediatric cancer research program. Our patients benefit from clinical research and clinical trials. We aim to discover new approaches for the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of pediatric tumors.
The research is done in conjunction with the Children’s Oncology Group. Click here to read more about how our clinic works with COG.
To find out about current clinical trials being conducted through our office, please feel free to call us at 704-384-1900.
Some Common Childhood Cancers
Leukemia, or cancer of the blood cells, and cancers of the brain are the most common types of childhood cancer, according to U.S. government statistics.
About 1/3 of childhood cancers are leukemias. The most common type of leukemia is acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Leukemia develops in the bone marrow. Bone marrow produces the blood cells your body needs. In children with leukemia, the bone marrow begins to make white blood cells that do not mature correctly, but continue to reproduce even after the body runs out of room for them. Click here to learn more about specific types of leukemia, as well as possible courses of treatment.
A tumor is an abnormal growth of tissue. Tumors are not always harmful. The most common solid tumors in children are brain tumors (gliomas and medulloblastomas). Treatment often includes a combination of surgery, radiation or chemotherapy. To learn more about specific types of brain tumors in children, click here.
Important Information About Infection Risk During Cancer Treatment
Children receiving cancer treatment are more prone to infection at certain times during their treatment. If your child’s white blood cell count is low, there is a higher risk, so it is important to prevent infection. To prevent infection, make sure your child:
- Bathes or showers daily.
- Rinses the mouth with water and practices good dental care after eating and before bed.
- Washes hands thoroughly and regularly, especially before eating or after playing outside or using the bathroom.
- Avoids large groups of people when while blood cell count is less than 1000.
Signs of infection include fever greater that 101 degrees Fahrenheit; chills, shaking and sweating; pain when urinating; loose stools; cough or sore throat; drainage from sores; earaches; stomach pains; or tiredness. If your child shows signs of infection, and especially if your child has a fever, call us at 704 384 1900. You might be asked for your child’s last white blood cell count.
There are also many pediatric issues that can also affect the health of the lungs. To know the health of your lungs, get to more about the Pulmonary Function Test.
