Learn more about Pediatric Hematology-Oncology Specialists
A pediatric hematologist-oncologist specializes in researching, diagnosing and treating blood disorders and cancer in children. Pediatric hematologist-oncologists care for children with blood conditions, such as anemia and bleeding disorders, and cancers, such as brain cancer and leukemia. They often work as part of a healthcare team that includes surgeons, radiologists, pathologists, nurses, and social workers.
A pediatric hematologist-oncologist typically:
- Performs a physical exam and takes a medical history
- Orders and interprets laboratory, imaging, genetic and surgical tests to confirm and analyze the presence of cancer
- Provides preventive screening for blood disorders, such as sickle cell anemia and bleeding conditions
- Diagnoses and treats childhood cancers and acute and chronic diseases and conditions that affect a child’s blood, including problems with blood cell production and blood clotting
- Provides a care plan for cancer treatment, which may include recommending surgery to remove cancer and precancerous cells, radiation therapy, or bone marrow transplantation
- Prescribes medications
- Orders or provides medical treatments to eliminate cancer, such as medication therapy, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and immunotherapy
- Orders or provides palliative therapies, such as medications and physical therapy to manage pain and symptoms
A pediatric hematologist-oncologist may also be known by the following names: children's cancer doctor and pediatric oncologist.
There are 164 specialists practicing Pediatric Hematology & Oncology in Massachusetts with an overall average rating of 4.5 stars. There are 9 hospitals in Massachusetts with affiliated Pediatric Hematology & Oncology specialists, including Boston Children's Hospital, Dana - Farber Cancer Institute and Brigham And Women's Hospital.