Hearing the word “cancer” in the context of your child is every parent’s worst nightmare.But here’s the truth most people don’t know: Childhood cancers are often curable —especially when diagnosed early and treated by specialists in pediatric oncology.In this blog, Dr. Shraddha Chandak, a renowned Pediatric Oncologist based in Aurangabad, explains the different types of cancers seen in children, early warning signs, treatment options, and how to support a child and their family during this journey.
What Is Pediatric Oncology?
Pediatric Oncology is the branch of medicine that deals with the diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up of cancers in children, from infancy to adolescence.
Unlike adult cancers, pediatric cancers:
- Are often not related to lifestyle or environmental factors
- Tend to be more responsive to treatment
- Require specialized approaches due to the child’s ongoing growth and development
At Kpond Superspeciality Hospital, Garkheda, Aurangabad (CSN), Dr. Shraddha Chandak brings both expertise and empathy to her pediatric cancer care practice, giving hope to children and families.
The Importance of Early Diagnosis
- Leukemia (Blood Cancer)
● Most common cancer in children (especially Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia)
- Symptoms: Fever, fatigue, frequent infections, bone pain, bruising, bleeding gums
- Lymphomas (Hodgkin’s & Non-Hodgkin’s)
- Affect the lymph nodes and immune system
- Symptoms: Swollen lymph nodes, weight loss, night sweats, persistent cough
- Brain and Spinal Cord Tumors
- Second most common in children
- Symptoms: Headaches, vision problems, nausea, balance issues, seizures
- Neuroblastoma
- Cancer of the nerve tissues, often affecting infants and toddlers
- Symptoms: Abdominal mass, fatigue, bone pain, weight loss
- Wilms Tumor (Kidney Cancer)
- Typically affects children under 5 years
- Symptoms: Abdominal swelling, blood in urine, fever
- Bone Cancers (Osteosarcoma, Ewing Sarcoma)
- Often seen in teenagers
- Symptoms: Bone pain, swelling, limping, fractures without trauma
When Should You See a Pediatric Oncologist?
Some warning signs of pediatric cancer may seem common or flu-like at first, but if they persist or worsen, don’t delay expert evaluation.Red flags include:
- Persistent fever or fatigue
- Unexplained weight loss
- Bruising or bleeding without injury
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Recurring infections
- Bone pain or swelling
- Lumps anywhere in the body
Early detection saves lives. Many childhood cancers have cure rates exceeding 70–90% when diagnosed and treated early.
Treatment Options Available
Dr. Shraddha Chandak provides comprehensive cancer care tailored to a child’s age, cancer type, and overall health. Treatment may include:
- Chemotherapy
- Primary treatment for most pediatric cancers
- Specialized protocols with fewer long-term side effects
- Surgery
- Used to remove solid tumors or affected organs
- Often followed by chemotherapy or radiation
- Radiation Therapy
- Carefully dosed to protect growing tissues
- Used for brain tumors, lymphomas, and some solid tumors
- Bone Marrow Transplantation
- Required in some high-risk leukemias or relapsed cancers
- Done in specialized centers in collaboration with tertiary institutes
- Supportive & Palliative Care
- Nutritional support, pain management, and emotional counselling
- Rehabilitation after treatment completion
Emotional and Family Support
A cancer diagnosis affects the entire family, not just the child. Dr. Chandak and her team provide:
- Parental counselling and education
- Play therapy and child psychology support
- Community support programs
- Guidance for schooling and reintegration into daily life
With compassionate care and a multidisciplinary team, children are never treated as just patients — they’re treated like warriors.
Why Choose Dr. Shraddha Chandak?
- Fellowship-trained in Pediatric Oncology, Hematology & Immunology
- Experience with 1000+ pediatric cases across India and overseas
- Known for accurate diagnosis, empathetic communication, and evidence-based care
- Located at a trusted center of excellence – Kpond Superspeciality Hospital, Aurangabad
Final Thoughts
Childhood cancer is not a death sentence — it is a medical condition that needs timely care, emotional strength, and the right specialist. If your child is facing concerning symptoms, or if your pediatrician has advised a referral, reach out to a Pediatric Oncologist without delay.
Let every child have a fair chance at life.
Early action. Expert care. Emotional strength. That’s what makes all the difference.
📍 Visit: www.drshraddhachandak.com
🏥 Kpond Superspeciality Hospital, Garkheda, Aurangabad (CSN)