Pediatric Surgical Oncology

Alongside treatments provided by pediatric oncology specialists, surgery is a tool that can be used to aid in the fight against childhood cancers. Pediatric surgeons provide specialized care to infants and children seeking surgical care to treat benign and malignant tumors.

Schedule an appointment with our pediatric surgeons

Conditions we treat:

Childhood solid tumor cancers including, but not limited to:

• Hepatoblastoma: Hepatoblastoma is a tumor that starts in the liver. This type of tumor is found in younger children. Liver tumors are very rare and can be diagnosed by imaging tests, biopsies and blood tests. Surgery and chemotherapy are the main treatment options.
• Wilms tumor: Wilms tumor is a type of kidney cancer usually found in young children. While the main cause of this tumor is unknown, genetics may be part of the cause. If you notice swelling in your child’s abdomen, your pediatrician may conduct a physical exam along with imaging and blood tests to determine a diagnosis. Treatment options can depend on the stage of the cancer. Surgery to remove some or all of the kidney may be an option, as well as chemotherapy or radiation therapy.
• Neuroblastoma: This form of cancer starts in the nerve cells of the sympathetic nervous system usually in young children. Signs and symptoms of this type of tumor can differ depending on its location in the body and how far it has spread. Testing for neuroblastoma can be done with blood and urine tests, bone marrow biopsy and imaging studies to understand the extent of disease and determine the best treatment option which may include surgery, chemotherapy, autologous stem cell transplant, radiation therapy and immunotherapy.

Leukemias, lymphomas, and other hematologic diseases:

• Leukemia: Leukemia is cancer of the blood and bone marrow. Some forms of leukemia are more commonly found in children than adults. While the main cause of leukemia is unknown, risk factors may include genetics and environmental factors. Leukemia can be diagnosed with a physical exam, a blood test and a bone marrow test. Treatment options vary depending on the type of leukemia but can include chemotherapy, radiation therapy and bone marrow transplant.
• Lymphoma: Lymphoma is a type of blood cancer that occurs when white blood cells, called lymphocytes, mutate and grow out of control. There are two types of lymphomas: Hodgkin’s and non-Hodgkin’s. The main differences between the two are how they spread and react to treatments. While the main cause is unknown, the condition relates to the immune system. Many tests can be used to detect lymphomas, including a CT scan, X-ray, blood tests and biopsies. Treatment options may include immunotherapy, chemotherapy, stem cell transplant and CAR-T cell therapy.

Lung lesions and tumors: In addition to congenital lung disorders and other cases of benign lung lesions and tumors, our pediatric surgeons can also provide surgical intervention to help in the treatment of lung cancers like pleuropulmonary blastoma and tracheobronchial tumors.

Mediastinal masses: Learn more

Procedures and Services We Offer:

Our pediatric surgeons provide oncologic surgical care from biopsy to resection. We also provide vascular access for chemotherapy through ports and broviacs, which can stay in place until a child’s medical treatment has been completed. These prevent the need for repeated new IVs from being placed for each lab draw, staging CAT scan, or follow up looking for recurrence.

Clinical Partners:

PEDIATRIC ONCOLOGISTS

INTERVENTIONAL RADIOLOGISTS