Pediatric oncology is a specialized medical field dedicated to diagnosing and treating cancers in children. Dr. Neema Bhat leads pediatric oncology care in Banashankari, Bangalore, combining clinical expertise with a compassionate, family-centred approach for young patients.
A specialised field treating cancers in children, adolescents and young adults.
Leukemia, brain tumors, neuroblastoma and other pediatric cancers.
Leukemia, brain and spinal cord tumors, neuroblastoma, Wilms tumor, lymphoma and other childhood cancers.
Common warning signs can include unexplained fatigue, persistent fever, unusual lumps, weight loss, pain and other symptoms that may vary by cancer type.
Blood tests, imaging, biopsies and other investigations help identify the type, location and extent of childhood cancer.
Treatment may include chemotherapy, surgery, radiation therapy, immunotherapy and other approaches depending on the cancer and the child's needs.
MD (Cooper University Hospital, USA) · FAAP Fellowship, Pediatric Hematology, Oncology & BMT, Penn State Health · Gold Medalist, Physiology
Pediatric oncology is the branch of medicine that focuses on cancers affecting children, adolescents and young adults. Unlike adult cancers, pediatric cancers often arise from different tissue types and require specialised treatment approaches. Pediatric oncologists work with a multidisciplinary team to develop individualised treatment plans that address the unique needs of children and their families.
Cancer of the blood and bone marrow, most commonly affecting white blood cells.
Tumors that develop in the brain or spinal cord tissues.
Cancer that originates in immature nerve cells, typically in the adrenal glands.
An uncommon kind of kidney cancer that mostly strikes young children.
Lymphatic system cancer, encompassing both non-Hodgkin and Hodgkin lymphomas.
Cancer that forms in skeletal muscle tissue.
Eye cancer that begins in the retina, primarily affecting young children.
Osteosarcoma and Ewing sarcoma are the most common types affecting bones.
Symptoms vary by cancer type and location. Signs to be mindful of include:
Sudden and significant weight loss without any obvious cause.
Ongoing fever that does not respond to usual treatments.
Constant tiredness and lack of energy.
Unusual lumps or swellings in the abdomen, neck, chest, pelvis or armpits.
Frequent bruising, nosebleeds or bleeding gums without an apparent cause.
Persistent pain in bones or joints that may disrupt normal activities.
Recurrent infections due to a weakened immune system.
Severe headaches often with vomiting, especially in the morning.
The causes of pediatric cancers are not fully understood, but are believed to involve a combination of genetic and environmental factors:
Changes in DNA that can trigger abnormal cell growth.
Some cancers link to inherited syndromes such as Li-Fraumeni syndrome or neurofibromatosis.
Exposure to radiation, certain chemicals and infections may increase risk.
Many pediatric cancers arise from random genetic mutations that occur by chance.
Preventing childhood cancer is challenging given limited understanding of its causes, but general measures include:
Diagnosing cancer in children involves a series of tests to accurately identify the type and extent of disease:
A thorough exam to check for lumps, swelling or other abnormalities.
Laboratory tests to analyse blood cells and detect abnormalities.
X-rays, CT, MRI and ultrasound to visualise the tumour's size and location.
Removal of a tissue sample to confirm the presence of cancer cells.
A procedure to extract bone marrow fluid for analysis.
Collection of cerebrospinal fluid to check for cancer cells.
Treatment is highly individualised and depends on the type and stage of cancer:
The use of drugs to kill or stop the growth of cancer cells. It can be injected intravenously, orally, or directly into the CSF fluid.
use medications that selectively target cancer cells while sparing healthy cells. These medications function by obstructing certain chemicals necessary for the proliferation and survival of cancer cells.
Radiation with high energy is used to target and eliminate cancer cells. Techniques like intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) and proton therapy minimize damage to healthy tissue.
Surgical removal of the tumor and surrounding tissue. Minimally invasive methods are employed in certain situations.
Boosts the body’s immune system to fight cancer. It includes treatments like monoclonal antibodies and CAR T-cell therapy.
Replaces damaged bone marrow with healthy stem cells. It is often used after high-dose chemotherapy or radiation therapy.
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Life After Treatment
Recovery involves a multidisciplinary approach to ensure optimal healing and rehabilitation:
Medications and other techniques to control pain and discomfort.
Tailored exercises to improve mobility, strength and overall function.
Ensuring the child receives adequate nutrition to promote healing.
Counselling and support services for the child and family.
Ongoing monitoring to detect recurrence and manage long-term effects.
Dr. Neema Bhat provides specialist pediatric oncology consultation in Banashankari, Bangalore, offering personalised, evidence-based care for children with cancer, from diagnosis through treatment and long-term follow-up.
585, 2nd Main Rd, 2nd Phase, Hosakerehalli Layout, Banashankari 3rd Stage, Banashankari, Bengaluru, Karnataka 560085
+91-789-975-6677
Hematologist and Pediatric Oncologist in Bangalore, providing specialist cancer care for children.
585, 2nd Main Rd, 2nd Phase, Hosakerehalli Layout, Banashankari 3rd Stage, Banashankari, Bengaluru, Karnataka 560085
+91-789-975-6677