What Is a Pediatric Oncologist?
A pediatric oncologist is a medical doctor who specializes in treating children with cancer. Cancer in children is not common, and it originates and behaves differently in children than in adults. Pediatric oncologists have special training in these differences and in how to relate to children with cancer and their families.
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Education and Training
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According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, preparation to become a pediatric oncologist includes at least four years of medical school, a three-year residency in pediatrics and at least three additional years of training in pediatric oncology/hematology. Pediatric oncologists receive certification from the American Board of Pediatrics.
Oncology/Hematology
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Most pediatric oncologists also receive certification in hematology, which is the study and treatment of blood diseases. The close connection between pediatric oncology and hematology developed during the 1950s and 1960s when hematologists treating children with acute leukemia, one of the most serious pediatric cancerous conditions, saw oncologists use chemotherapy and other new treatments to treat solid tumors. These hematologists, who were already familiar with chemotherapy treatment, also began to treat solid tumors and other cancers.
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Scope of Practice
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Pediatric oncologists diagnose, treat and manage the care of children and adolescents with various types of cancer. The most common include leukemia, brain tumors, bone tumors, lymphoma and solid tumors. Pediatric oncologists typically practice in children's hospitals, academic medical facilities and other large hospitals. They use all three of the major types of oncology treatment---medical, surgical and radiological---in the care of children. Many pediatric oncologists are also actively involved in research and teaching.
Significance
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According to the Seattle Cancer Care Alliance, only about 1 percent of people with cancer in the United States are children. As a result, family care practitioners and other community doctors have minimal experience in treating pediatric cancer. For this reason, most doctors refer children with cancer to a pediatric oncologist/hematologist for treatment and care.
Considerations
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Adults sometimes have a cancer that typically occurs more often in children, such as leukemia, Ewing's sarcoma, osteosarcoma and some brain tumors. These adults often choose to consult a pediatric oncologist about care and treatment because of their specialized training and expertise.
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