How do you treat childhood cancer?
Treatment depends on the type and stage of cancer. Dr Mthombeni administers radiation therapy for various childhood cancers. Normally, external beam radiation is the method used to treat childhood cancer. As a result, the procedure involves using a machine known as a linear accelerator to administer radiation to the body.
FAQ
Are there side effects of paediatric radiation therapy?
Paediatric radiation therapy may have short-term adverse effects, such as exhaustion, skin rash or irritation, nausea, vomiting, and loss of appetite. Growth issues, cognitive decline, and an increased chance of additional tumours later in life are examples of longer-term adverse effects.
How often does my child need paediatric radiation therapy?
A child may undergo a different number of radiation treatments than another child. For a few weeks, radiation therapy is typically administered once per day, five days a week. However, depending on the size and location of the tumour, the required radiation dose, and the particular treatment strategy picked by Dr Mthombeni, the precise number and frequency of sessions will vary.
At what stage of cancer is paediatric radiation therapy recommended?
Radiation therapy is typically suggested for children who have the following:
- Brain tumours
- Hodgkin's lymphoma
- Neuroblastoma
- Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma
- Wilms' tumour