Finding a Pediatric Oncologist
Whether you have recently received a diagnosis of breast cancer or have recently found out that your child has cancer, there are a number of things that you need to know. These include what the diagnosis means, what type of treatment is available, and how to find a pediatric oncologist in your area.
Treatment options
Typically, pediatric oncologists are trained in both pediatrics and oncology, but they also have the knowledge and experience to help children and families make informed decisions about their treatment. In addition, they can provide families with information on trials that are currently underway.
While there are no cures for cancer, there are many treatments to reduce the symptoms and side effects associated with the disease. Depending on the specific type of cancer, your child may receive a combination of local, systemic, and palliative treatments.
Local treatments are procedures that target cancer at its location. These procedures may include surgery, radiation, or immunotherapy. Surgical procedures may involve the removal of a tumor, while radiation therapy uses high-energy x-rays to destroy the cancer cells.
Systemic treatments use medications that travel through the bloodstream to reach the cancer cells throughout the body. These medications may be administered through an IV tube, or they may be administered orally.
The best way to learn about these treatment options is to speak with your child’s doctor. You’ll need to learn what to expect in terms of side effects, benefits, and costs. Your child may also benefit from having a social worker to assist you during your child’s treatment.
Palliative care involves treating the symptoms of cancer while also improving the quality of your child’s life. This may include pain management, nutrition changes, and spiritual support. Palliative care works best if started right after your child’s cancer diagnosis.
The medical community is continually evaluating new and innovative treatments. Your pediatric oncologist can tell you what treatments have been tested in children with the same type of cancer, and which ones have had a positive impact on other children.
X-ray images taken from different angles
X-ray images taken from different angles have a number of advantages over conventional diagnostic tests. They are painless and often require no special preparation. This makes them a great way to monitor treatment progress. In addition, they are a good way to identify and diagnose certain types of cancers. They are also useful in evaluating the effects of other treatments. For example, they can be used to assess whether or not a tumor is malignant, or whether the patient has an intestinal obstruction.
In the X-ray world, there are many different types of images. The most commonly performed are chest x-rays, CT scans, and PET scans. Each type is unique in its own way. A CT scan takes a lot of X-rays from many different angles. Generally speaking, these scans take less than 10 minutes to perform. However, they are also prone to delays.
If you have a sick child or are trying to find out what’s wrong with your child, you may want to ask your physician whether or not you should have a CT scan. If the doctor advises you to proceed, you should follow his or her lead. This is a good thing because it’s important to get the right diagnosis, especially if it’s cancer.
A CT scan is also a good way to identify and diagnose a range of conditions. These include cancers of the digestive tract, brain, lungs, and skin. In addition, these tests can also be used to identify and treat infections and other medical conditions. X-rays can also be taken of your child’s growth plate. This is the best way to make sure that you don’t miss a milestone moment in your child’s life.
Computerized axial tomography scans
MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) is a medical imaging procedure that creates pictures of the internal organs and tissues of the body. It is painless, and the patient does not have to stay still during the scan.
MRI scans are done in a hospital, or another medical facility. Patients are usually alone during the procedure but may be given anesthesia or sedation to keep them still. They may also be asked to hold their breath during the scan.
Some CT scans use a contrast medium, which helps the organs and tissues to appear more clearly. The contrast medium may be given intravenously, orally, or rectally. The CT scan may also use a barium sulfate compound, which is taken orally.
The patient may also have a blood test. If the child is pregnant, the parent should bring someone else with them. Also, pregnant women should let the x-ray technologist know if they are pregnant.
Some children may have sedation or anesthesia for the CT scan. Older children are able to hold their breath during the scan, but younger children may need sedation. It is important for the child to breathe quietly, so they do not become dizzy. The child can also lie still on the table during the scan.
The CT scan usually takes about 10 minutes. The scan may take longer if the area being scanned is larger. The scan also takes longer if the x-ray machine has to be adjusted for the child.
The child can usually drink and eat prior to the CT scan. Parents may also be allowed to watch the scan, but they must wear a lead apron to prevent radiation exposure.
Rehabilitation specialists
Providing pediatric cancer patients with a multidisciplinary program that addresses their rehabilitation needs is a new trend in the field of oncology. Currently, about one percent of all patients with cancer receive rehabilitation services. In addition to improving their quality of life, comprehensive cancer rehabilitation programs can enhance patient outcomes.
Many hospitals offer rehabilitation services in an outpatient setting. These services include speech-language pathology, occupational therapy, and physical therapy. These professionals can provide patients with an assortment of treatment options, including the latest advances in the field of pediatric cancer.
The most obvious benefit of receiving rehabilitation services is improved motor skills, increased mobility, and a lessening the burden on caregivers. Other benefits include improved cognitive and emotional function, which may be vital for a child’s quality of life. These services are offered by a variety of healthcare providers, and they may include rehabilitation specialists.
The best rehabilitation programs incorporate an integrated approach. The goal is to provide children with cancer with a holistic approach to care, while also improving their quality of life. This is achieved by a team of health specialists working together, including oncologists, doctors, nurses, physical therapists, occupational therapists, child life specialists, psychologists, and other professionals. Often, these professionals work in conjunction with other healthcare providers, such as the family’s primary care physician.
A comprehensive cancer rehabilitation program can also include an evidence-based multidisciplinary assessment and a tailored treatment plan. This is important since many physical sequelae of cancer are amenable to rehabilitation intervention. It is important to note, however, that many of these programs are still in their infancy, and there are still many gaps to fill.
The most effective pediatric oncology rehabilitation programs will not only enhance patients’ quality of life but will also reduce caregiver burden.
Social workers
During the past few years, the role of social workers in pediatric oncology has increased. They serve as the bridge between children and their families and the medical professionals, helping to guide them through the diagnosis and treatment. They can also help families cope with the emotional and financial challenges they face.
Pediatric oncology social workers help children navigate their treatment and cope with their emotional challenges. They can also provide support outside the hospital. They can also advocate for schooling for children who are affected by cancer. They can also advocate for financial issues and assist in accessing resources to reduce financial barriers to costly medications.
Many social workers report fatigue and a lack of organizational support from their institutions. They also report the hiring of social workers without academic training, the failure to provide high-quality service and the lack of a specialized workforce.
Some of the challenges pediatric oncology social workers face include the need to understand the patient’s needs, listen to their concerns, and help them cope with the diagnosis and treatment. They also need to be vigilant about their own mental health and avoid job burnout.
A national survey of pediatric oncology social workers conducted by Jones, B. et al. report that social workers have positive self-concepts of their performance. But they also report a lack of time, limited organizational support, and inadequate knowledge and skills. They also report that they feel overwhelmed by the workload.
Some of the challenges pediatric oncology providers face include the lack of public awareness and the need to provide comprehensive care. They also report that it is difficult to delegate tasks that are not related to their job.
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