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Best Paediatric Haematology Oncology & BMT Service in India

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OVERVIEWPaediatric Haematology Oncology and BMT is a unique department at HCG that focuses on the diagnosis, treatment, and management of benign and malignant haematological disorders and oncological conditions among children and adolescents. Paediatric haematologist-oncologists are specialists who treat children with cancer and other blood-related disorders.

Health conditions seen in children require specialised care that differs from treatments administered to adults. Paediatric haematologist-oncologists are best equipped to understand and study these problems, as they are aware of how to communicate and treat young patients effectively.

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Paediatric Haematology Oncology & BMT at HCG, KR Road, Bengaluru

As the best paediatric cancer hospital in India, HCG houses a highly skilled and well-experienced team of paediatric haematologist-oncologists, who are trained to examine, treat, and manage a broad array of blood disorders, including cancers, with the utmost attention, expertise, empathy, care, and compassion.

Our multidisciplinary team comprises paediatric haematologist-oncologists, BMT specialists, radiation oncologists, surgical oncologists, pathologists, radiologists, genetic experts, molecular experts, palliative care specialists, and rehabilitation specialists, all of whom are well-versed in addressing the special needs of children with blood disorders and cancers.

At HCG, children can receive value-based and patient-centric care for the following conditions:

Acute lymphoblastic leukaemia
Acute or chronic myeloid leukaemia
Aplastic anaemia
Bone marrow failure syndromes
Thalassaemias and other blood disorders
Hodgkin's lymphoma and non-Hodgkin�s lymphoma
Brain Tumors
Bone tumours (osteosarcoma and Ewing's sarcoma)
Hepatoblastoma (liver tumours)
Neuroblastoma
Retinoblastoma
Rhabdomyosarcoma and other soft tissue sarcomas
Germ cell tumours
Immunodeficiency syndromes
Sickle cell disease
Iron-deficiency syndromes
Bleeding disorders
WBC/platelet disorders

Management of Paediatric Cancers and Blood Disorders

Paediatric cancers and blood disorders are best managed by a multidisciplinary team of specialists who are trained to diagnose, treat, and manage young patients. Multiple treatment options are available today. At HCG, our specialists aim to provide a comprehensive, compassionate, and patient-centred approach to ensure the best possible quality of life for the child.

Diagnosis of Paediatric Cancers and Blood Disorders

Common testing methods for diagnosing childhood cancers include:

Blood Tests:

Complete blood counts, peripheral smear studies, and specific tumour marker tests.

Bone Marrow Aspiration and Biopsy:

Sample collection from bone marrow to diagnose blood cancer and other bone marrow failure syndromes.

Biopsy:

A small amount of tissue from the suspected area is collected and examined under a microscope for the presence of cancer cells.

Imaging Tests:

MRI scan, CT scan, bone scan, PET-CT scan, etc., are used to determine the location, size, and stage of the tumour. These tests are also used for radiotherapy planning, therapy monitoring, restaging, and relapse evaluation.

Treatment for Paediatric Cancers and Blood Disorders

Paediatric disorders, including cancer, can be managed successfully. Depending on the type of cancer, its stage, exact location, and overall health status, paediatric haematologist-oncologists will recommend personalised treatment plans. The following are the different treatment options available for solid tumours and benign and malignant haematological disorders:

Medication:

Certain benign blood disorders can be managed with medications.

Blood Transfusion:

Recommended for the management of thalassemia, some sickle cell anaemia cases, aplastic anaemia, and other bone marrow failure syndromes.

Chemotherapy:

Recommended for the management of bone marrow-related cancers and solid tumours.

Bone Marrow Transplantation:

A curative approach for various benign and malignant blood disorders in children and teenagers.

Surgery:

Recommended in the management of solid tumours, such as bone and brain tumours, and may be administered along with radiation therapy depending on the severity of the case.

Radiation Therapy:

Used as a supportive treatment for various paediatric cancers.

Additionally, patients receive supportive care that includes rehabilitation care, follow-up support, psychosocial support, and more.

Paediatric Oncology Facility at HCG Cancer Centre, KR Road, Bengaluru

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a paediatric haematologist-oncologist do?

A paediatric haematologist-oncologist specialises in diagnosing, treating, and managing the following health conditions among children and adolescents:

  • Blood disorders (diseases of white blood cells, red blood cells, platelets, etc.)
  • Bleeding and clotting disorders
  • Malignant disorders like leukaemia, lymphoma, brain tumours, bone tumours, and solid tumours

To ensure early diagnosis, it's essential to stay in close follow-up with a paediatrician and consult a paediatric haematologist-oncologist if symptoms persist or are difficult to explain. Symptoms that should not be ignored in children include:

  • Prolonged, unexplained fever
  • Pain that lasts for more than two weeks in any part of the body.
  • Frequent headaches with or without vomiting, especially early-morning headaches
  • Tiredness and fatigue
  • Pale skin
  • Sudden changes in vision
  • Unexplained weight loss
  • Presence of a lump or swelling in any part of the body
  • Bruising or bleeding
  • Limping

It's important to remember that these symptoms may be caused by other conditions as well, but consulting a specialist can help rule out any doubts.

Childhood cancers have no known cause in almost 95% of cases. However, there are some known risk factors that can increase a child's risk of developing cancer:

  • Specific genetic disorders such as Klinefelter syndrome, Bloom syndrome, Li-Fraumeni syndrome, ataxia telangiectasia, and Fanconi anaemia, among others
  • Certain infections, like the Epstein-Barr virus and HIV
  • Exposure to certain pesticides and fertilisers
  • Previous cancer treatments
  • Poor foetal development

Not all paediatric cancer treatments are toxic, and the levels of toxicity may vary depending on the type of treatment. While high-dose chemotherapy and immunotherapy can lead to toxicity, it can be managed with medications and interventions. Before treatment, parents can talk to the expert team to understand what to expect. The expert team closely monitors patients for any side effects and addresses them before continuing treatment.

It is normal for parents to be worried upon hearing their child’s cancer diagnosis. At HCG, patients are in safe hands. We offer personalised treatment approaches at HCG to help each paediatric cancer patient achieve the best possible health outcomes. We recommend parents have honest conversations with their children about their condition and help them cope with negative emotions. Psycho-oncologists are also available at our hospital to support patients in managing psychological distress.