About Pediatric Cancer
Key Highlights
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Performed by specialists trained in both pediatric surgery and surgical oncology.Aims for maximal cancer removal while preserving critical organs and future growth potential.Often a key component of a multimodal treatment plan (surgery, chemotherapy, radiation).Utilizes advanced techniques, including minimally invasive (laparoscopic/robotic) surgery when appropriate.Focuses on long-term quality of life and functional outcomes for the child.
Who is this surgery for?
- Diagnosis: To obtain a tissue biopsy for confirming the type and stage of cancer.
- Primary Treatment: For solid tumors where complete surgical removal (resection) is the best curative option.
- Debulking: To remove as much tumor as possible to enhance the effectiveness of other therapies like chemotherapy.
- Second-Look Surgery: To assess response after initial chemotherapy and remove any remaining disease.
- Palliative Care: To relieve symptoms caused by the tumor, such as obstruction or pain.
- Placement of access devices like central venous catheters for long-term chemotherapy administration.
How to prepare
- Comprehensive evaluation including imaging (CT, MRI, PET scans) to map the tumor.
- Multidisciplinary team meeting to finalize the surgical plan within the overall treatment strategy.
- Pre-operative tests to assess the child's overall health, blood counts, and organ function.
- Nutritional optimization to ensure the child is strong enough for surgery and recovery.
- Detailed discussions with the family about the procedure, goals, risks, and expected outcomes.
- Pre-operative fasting as per anesthesia guidelines.
Risks & possible complications
- General surgical risks: Bleeding, infection, and adverse reactions to anesthesia.
- Damage to nearby organs, nerves, or blood vessels during tumor removal.
- Incomplete tumor resection, potentially requiring additional treatment.
- Long-term effects on growth and development depending on the surgery site.
- Formation of scar tissue (adhesions) which may cause future bowel obstruction.
- Psychological and emotional impact on the child and family.
Recovery & hospital stay
- Initial recovery in a pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) or specialized ward with close monitoring.
- Management of post-operative pain with appropriate pediatric medications.
- Gradual resumption of feeding and mobilization as tolerated.
- Incision care and monitoring for signs of infection.
- Coordination for the next phase of treatment, such as starting chemotherapy.
- Long-term follow-up with the oncology team for surveillance, rehabilitation, and managing late effects.
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Typical hospital stay: 5-14 days
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Expected recovery time: 4-12 weeks
Frequently Asked Questions
If you are considering pediatric cancer in India, these questions and answers can help you make a confident, informed decision.
Top-rated hospitals in India with surgical oncology departments and experienced surgeons are ideal for this procedure. Use MediFyr to compare facilities, reviews, and doctor profiles before you decide.
Look at the doctor’s years of experience, hospital association, patient reviews, and how often they perform pediatric cancer. MediFyr helps you compare surgical oncologists and book consultations online.
The overall cost depends on hospital category, surgeon’s experience, room type, implant or device used (if any), length of stay, tests, and post-operative care. Our team can help you get cost estimates from multiple hospitals before you decide.
Procedure cost in other countries
Here is an overview of how the estimated cost, hospital stay, and recovery time for pediatric cancer compare across other countries where we have data.
Saanvi Jones is a vibrant 8-year-old...
Saanvi Jones is a vibrant 8-year-old who loves painting and soccer. For weeks, she complained of a dull ache in her left leg, which her parents initially dismissed as growing pains. When a noticeable lump appeared near her knee and the pain began waking her at night, they sought medical help. Imaging revealed a mass in her distal femur. Dr. Evans, a surgical oncologist, diagnosed osteosarcoma. He recommended limb-salvage surgery to remove the tumor and reconstruct her leg, explaining it was the best chance to save her limb and her life. The 10-hour surgery was intense; surgeons removed the cancerous bone and replaced it with a metal implant. Recovery was a long road of physical therapy and managing post-op pain. Initially terrified of losing her ability to run and play, Saanvi found strength in her family and art therapy. Two years later, she walks with a slight limp but is cancer-free and back on the soccer field, her resilience a testament to her journey from fear to fierce hope.
Surgical Oncologists for Pediatric Cancer
Explore experienced surgical oncologists who regularly perform pediatric cancer and provide pre- and post-operative care in India.
- 9 Years Experience
- Surgical Oncologist
Manipal Hospital Bhubaneswar, Bhubaneshwar
- 11 Years Experience
- Surgical Oncologist
Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore
- 39 Years Experience
- Surgical Oncologist
Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore
- 20 Years Experience
- Surgical Oncologist
Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore