|
Diagnostic Care in the Hematology/Oncology Program
State-of-the-art imaging can help diagnose your child or teen’s condition and define the best possible course for treatment. Pediatric-trained radiologists work in concert with hematologists/oncologists to provide tests.
A special focus at Children’s is helping your child or teen cope with discomfort that can occur with some tests. This may involve safe sedation (for example, through Children’s award-winning nitrous oxide program), the use of imagery and pain control techniques taught by child life specialists, or other services provided through the integrative medicine department. If you have questions or thoughts about how to help your child cope with medical procedures, we encourage you to talk to your physician.
Some of the most common tests performed for concerns about cancer or blood disorders include:
- Blood tests. Blood tests can provide information about the kinds and numbers of cells in the blood.
- Biopsies. A biopsy is a tissue sample that is examined under a microscope to determine whether abnormal cells are present. There are several types of biopsies. A needle biopsy is taken by inserting a hollow needle under the skin. A sample of tissue is drawn into the hollow part of the needle. Other types of biopsies are removed through a small incision in the skin or through a larger incision made during surgery. Sedation or general anesthesia is used when biopsies are taken.
- Bone marrow aspiration and biopsy. In the center of bones is a substance called bone marrow. Blood cells and platelets are manufactured in bone marrow. In a bone marrow aspiration, a needle is inserted in the hip (or occasionally into a different area of the body) and a syringe is used to withdraw a bone marrow sample. If a biopsy is performed, a small sliver of bone is taken from the same insertion site. A bone marrow sample can reveal problems with the number or quality of blood cells and platelets being made. Sedation is used when a bone marrow aspiration is performed.
- Bone scan. A bone scan can detect infections, tumors, weaknesses, and other problems in your child’s bones. Your child will receive a small amount of radioactive dye through an intravenous (IV) line before the test begins. In some cases, sedation is used during bone scans to help a child lie still.
- CT scans. A computed tomography (CT) scan is an x-ray that produces more detailed images of internal organs, bones, and other tissues than a regular x-ray can.
- Genetic tests. There are many types of genetic tests, which typically are performed as part of care provided in conjunction with Children’s genetic program. Usually the tests are performed on a sample of blood, hair, skin, saliva, or amniotic fluid (the fluid that surrounds a fetus during pregnancy.) Laboratory professionals use the samples to look for changes in chromosomes, DNA, or proteins.
- Lumbar puncture. A lumbar puncture, also known as a spinal tap, involves a needle inserted between the vertebra of the spine in order to collect a sample of cerebrospinal fluid. This fluid surrounds the brain and spinal cord. Cerebrospinal fluid is helpful in determining whether cancer is present and/or how cancer treatment is progressing. Sedation or sometimes anesthesia is used for lumbar punctures.
- PET scans. A positron emission tomography (PET) scan can help determine how well organs and tissues are functioning by highlighting chemical activity in the body in light or dark colors on a PET image. PET scans also can help determine whether cancer has spread to another part of the body. Often, PET and CT scans are performed together.
- MRIs. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) provides detailed images of the body and more clearly shows the soft tissues of the body. At Children’s, hematologists/oncologists work closely with radiologists to provide fast, highly-detailed images, which minimizes the time children must remain still and hold their breath during the MRI exam. Intra-operative MRI and 3 Tesla MRI are available at Children’s.
- X-rays. X-rays play an important role in detecting many types of cancer and can help determine whether cancer has spread to another part of the body.
Contact us:
- If you are a family member looking for a Children’s hematologist/oncologist, call the outpatient clinic at Children’s – Minneapolis at (612) 813-5940 or Children's - St. Paul at (651) 220-6732.
- If you are a health professional looking for a consultation or referral information, please call Children's Physician Access at 1-866-755-2121 (toll-free).
|
|
|
