Rhabdomyosarcoma is a form of childhood cancer constituting 5-8% of all detected cancers among infants. It originates in the cells that would develop into skeletal muscle cells. Skeletal muscle attached to the bones is diverse from the smooth muscles that are found in the lining of the intestinal tract. The uninhibited growth of these muscle cells leads to the formation of masses or lumps known as tumors. This form of unrestrained growth could begin in any part of the body where skeletal muscle is present, though prevalently detected in the head and neck, prostate, bladder and vagina. Rhabdomyosarcoma is commonly seen in infants aged between two to six years and in between fifteen to nineteen years. The male gender is observed to be affected more than females. In younger kids, the tumor is  [...]

Wilms’ Tumor is commonly treated using surgery, chemotherapy and radiation therapy that depends on the staging and overall condition of the child. Surgery Surgery is the most prevalent form of treatment for Wilms’ tumor wherein the doctor might remove the cancerous growth employing one of the below stated procedures. Partial Nephrectomy – This procedure is conducted for removal of the cancer and a section of the kidney that is situated around it.  It usually is done in just rare cases when there is damage done to the other kidney or has previously been taken out. Simple Nephrectomy – This procedure involves the complete removal of the kidney. The other kidney would then take on the role of purifying the blood. Radical Nephrectomy – In this procedure there is total removal of  [...]

The doctor would delve into the medical history and carry out a detailed physical examination. Analytical procedures would comprise of: Abdominal Computer Tomography Scan (CT) – This investigative imaging procedure employs use of both X-rays and computer technology for producing high-definition images (slices) in cross-section, both in horizontal and vertical alignment of the body. A CT scan deemed to be more detailed in comparison to X-rays reveals explicit images of the entire body inclusive of bone, muscle, fat and organs. Abdominal Ultrasound – This analytic imaging method employs high-frequency sound waves and a computer for creating images of the blood vessels, tissues and organs. It could produce a delineation of the kidneys and tumor along with identifying problems in the renal  [...]

Tests undertaken for examining the bone and soft tissue are employed in diagnosis and determining the staging of the Ewing family of tumors. A biopsy is usually conducted for diagnosing Ewing family of tumors. During the biopsy procedure, removal of the cells and tissues is done in order to be sent for microscopic analysis. The pathologist would analyse the sample to detect any symptoms of cancers. The experts namely, pathologist, radiation oncologist and surgeon would work in unison for charting out a plan on how to undertake the biopsy procedure. This is done to ensure that the biopsy incision would not affect the subsequent treatment involving surgical intervention for tumor removal and radiation therapy. When biopsy is conducted in the same location where the treatment would be carried  [...]

Tests that study the bone and the soft tissue are employed in the diagnosis or determining the staging of the Ewling Family of Tumors. The tests and procedures comprise of: Physical examination – An examination of the body is done for checking the presence of any indications of disease like formations of lumps or any irregular finding. The patient’s past health patterns and history of ailments are also delved in detail. CBC  or Complete blood count – During this procedure, the blood sample is taken and scanned for: The amount of red blood cells (RBC), white blood cells (WBC) and platelets. The haemoglobin content (the protein carrying oxygen) in the RBCs. The part of the blood sample comprising of RBCs. Blood chemistry studies – During this procedure, the blood sample is analysed  [...]

Ewing family of Tumors is a cluster of cancers affecting the bone and the soft tissue. This family of tumors is an assemblage of tumors that develop from a particular type of cell in the bone and the soft tissue. Ewing tumors are generally observed to occur amongst individuals in their teens and more prevalent in boys and the Caucasian community. This family of tumors comprises of: Ewing tumor of the bone – This kind of tumor is detected in the bones of the legs, arms, chest, trunk, back or even the head region. There are three kinds of Ewing tumor of the bone namely: Classic Ewing sarcoma – A form of cancer also known as peripheral neuroectodermal tumor and pPNET that develops in the bone or soft tissue. Primitive neuroectodermal tumor or PNET – One of the clusters of cancers developing  [...]