As a full member of the Children’s Oncology Group, Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh’s Hematology/Oncology Division is able to provide pediatric cancer patients with the most current, innovative treatments, some of which are available only at select medical centers throughout the country. The Hematology/Oncology Division also is able to provide state-of-the-art care through its close collaboration with other subspecialty departments at Children’s
Children’s Pediatric Surgery Department plays a critical role in the diagnosis and management of childhood cancer. While Children’s pediatric surgeons are highly skilled in standard surgical techniques, they are experts in both thoracoscopic and laparoscopic surgery. These innovative treatment techniques provide less discomfort for patients and allow for more rapid recoveries.
Similarly, Children’s Pediatric Neurosurgery Department plays a vital role in the treatment of children with tumors of the brain and spine. Children’s neurosurgeons are dedicated to the use of minimally invasive surgery for tumor removal whenever possible. They were the first in North America to offer pediatric patients treatment with the gamma knife, and are highly skilled in the use of ultrasonography for guiding tumor removal; the use of stereotactic-guided biopsies; and intraoperative electrocorticography, which outlines tumors by measuring the brain wave activity in the normal tissue surrounding the tumor.
Children’s Radiology Department also plays a key part in the diagnosis and treatment of childhood cancers. Using X-rays, ultrasonography, computed tomography (CT scans) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), radiologists provide a non-invasive assessment of children’s tumors. The department also has an extensive interventional radiology program. Guided by CT scans or ultrasonography, needle biopsies often can be performed without surgery, which allows for less patient discomfort and quicker recoveries.
