Treatments For Childhood Cancer

Surgery

When most individuals discuss surgery as a treatment option for cancer, they generally mean the physical removal of a tumor. A surgeon will take both the tumor and some of the healthy tissue surrounding it. This type of procedure is used for both cancerous and benign tumors. Many children who have cancerous tumors will need at least one operation to continue with their treatment.

The surgical goal is the removal of the whole tumor, along with the tissue immediately surrounding it. This ensures no cancer is left in the remaining tissue. Ideally, this tissue will be healthy and not become infected by cancer cells. In most cases with children, microscopic cells of the tumor will remain following the operation. At this point, an oncologist will recommend radiation and chemotherapy, or another course of treatment.

Operation side effects vary widely depending on where the tumor was, along with how large it was. Parents concerned about the side effects their child might face should touch base with their medical team before the operation.

Continue to learn about a hallmark way of helping treat children affected by cancer.

Wish Foundations

Not all treatment is physical. In fact, mental encouragement and a positive attitude are essential to the treatment process. Physical cancer treatments can often be tedious, painful, and exhausting. Children shouldn't have to fight that hard. When they do battle against their illness, it's crucial for those around the ill child to do everything in their power to make them happy.

Wish foundations were created with this principle in mind. Children deserve to live their lives to the fullest, and when so much of their childhood is robbed by cancer, it's good to find ways to make up for it. Some wish foundations are specialized for terminally ill children, including those suffering from cancer.

The concept is simple. A child can make one wish, and the foundation will do everything in their power to make that wish come true. Some children want to meet their favorite celebrity or go to a special amusement park. Others want to go to special sports games or other activities. No matter how big the wish, the foundation will try to make it happen.

Continue reading to learn about another way to treat a child's mental health when they have cancer.