Pediatric Hematology
The department of Pediatric Hemato Oncology at Aster MIMS Calicut was started in Jan 2021. It is a branch of medicine that deals with the diagnosis and treatment of children with blood disorders as blood disorders in pediatric group are different from adults.
The department of Pediatric Hematology at Aster MIMS Calicut cares for children with the following disorders:
- Anaemia- such as Nutritional Anemias, Thalassemia, Sickle cell disease, hereditary spherocytosis, Pure red cell aplasia, Diamond Blackfan anemia, etc
- Bleeding disorders
- Coagulation disorders
- Thrombocytopenia or low platelets
- Leucopenia (low white blood cell count) or neutropenia (low neutrophil count)
- Aplastic anaemia
- Inherited bone marrow failure syndromes
- Splenomegaly and disorders of splenic function
- Hemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis (HLH)
- Langerhans cell histiocytosis (LCH)
- Primary Immunodeficiency disorders
- Inborn errors of metabolism
- Blood cancers
Pediatric Oncology
The division of Pediatric Oncology at MIMS Calicut, comprises of a dedicated team of doctors and nurses who are well trained and experienced in caring children with cancer.
Childhood cancers are highly curable and more than 80% can be cured. The commonest childhood cancers are leukemia (blood cancer)and brain tumors. Other cancers in children are lymphoma (cancer of lymphnodes), neuroblastoma (adrenal gland) , wilms tumor (kidney), sarcoma ( muscles and bones) and other cancers are treated here.
We have weekly tumor board meetings, where cases are discussed. We are well supported by specialists like pediatric surgery, surgical oncology, radio oncology and orthopedics oncology in delivering services to the children
Pediatric Bone Marrow Transplant
Aster MIMS, Calicut has a 4 bedded bone marrow transplant unit as per the standard JCI guidelines. All the 4 rooms are having Positive Pressure Ventilation, HEPA filtration units and well trained Nurses with 1:1 care. The Division of Bone Marrow Transplantation is headed by Dr KV Gangadharan, DM Medical Oncology, Head of Department of Medical Oncology and Hematology.Two full time Hematologists presently providing services are
- Dr. Kesavan M R ( Pediatric Hemato-Oncologist & Bone Marrow Transplant Physician.MBBS, MD Pediatrics, FNB Pediatric Hemato-Oncology
- Dr. Sudeep V. (Clinical Hematologist, Hemato-Oncologist and Bone Marrow Transplant Physician) MBBS, MD (Internal Medicine), PDCC (HematoOncology), DM (Clinical Hematology, AIIMS)
Bone Marrow Transplant has been successfully conducted in Aster MIMS Calicut in April as young as 6 months as old as 60 years.
Both Allogenic and Autologous Transplant services are provided here.
Total Body Irradiation (TBI) facility is available here with the help of Radiation Oncology Department.
The First TCR –Alpha Beta Depleted Haplo Identical Stem Cell Transplant in entire Kerala was done at MIMS Calicut.
Transplant Services are offered for the following conditionsat Aster MIMS, Calicut presently
- Autologous : Neuroblastoma, Hodgkin Lymphoma, Non Hodgkin Lymphoma, Acute Promyelocytic Leukemia.
- Allogenic Transplant
- Benign Conditions.
Aplastic Anemia, Fanconi Anemia and other Inherited Bone Marrow Failure Syndromes, Sickle Cell Anemia, Thalassemia, Primary Immune Deficiency, Mucopolysaccharidosis, Osteopetrosis, Wiskott Aldrich Syndrome, Glanzmann Thrombasthenia, Hemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis. - Malignant Conditions.
Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia, Acute Myeloid Leukemia, Chronic Myeloid Leukemia with Blast crisis, Juvenile Myelomonocytic Leukemia, Myelodysplastic Syndrome ,Non Hodgkin Lymphoma.
- Benign Conditions.
FAQs
Want to find out more about the treatment? The answer to your questions can be found below.
How often should my child see the paediatrician?
Your child should not only see the paediatrician for an illness. It is also important to schedule well-child-care exams regularly, beginning in infancy. Also called well-care visits or check-ups, these routine examinations provide the best opportunity for the doctor to observe the progress of your child's physical and mental growth and development; to counsel and teach parents; to detect problems through screening tests; to provide immunizations, and to get to know one another.
Are vaccines safe?
Vaccines are extremely safe and serious side effects are rare. Almost all sickness or discomfort after vaccination is minor and temporary, such as soreness at the injection site or mild fever.
What does a paediatric oncologist do?
Paediatric oncologists offer effective treatments to children suffering from brain tumours or cancers. They implement core diagnostic methods to track symptoms and propose necessary medical support. They also collaborate with other doctors to analyse the children's conditions and prepare treatment plans.
What question should you ask a paediatric oncologist?
You can ask several questions to a paediatric oncologist, such as what problems they diagnose and treat, how they prepare for surgery, what conditions they examine during emergencies, how long they have been practising, and whether they provide medical support for recovery.
What are the most common types of conditions that paediatric oncologists treat?
A paediatric oncologist treats several common conditions, such as blood and bone tumours, bone marrow diseases, loss of hunger, vision problems, frequent fainting, irregular physical growth, anaemia, and cancers. Our paediatric oncologist in Calicut provides complete medical support for these conditions.
When should I consider seeing a paediatric oncologist?
If your children experience issues like memory loss, unexplained bleeding, nerve breakdown, loss of appetite, pale skin, frequently occurring fever, and poor mental or physical growth, you should see a paediatric oncologist. Our paediatric oncologist in Calicut at Aster MIMS can explain these conditions in more detail.
What is the role of a paediatric oncologist in a patient's treatment journey?
Paediatric oncologists always play a vital role throughout the patient’s treatment. They closely monitor patients' conditions, assess vital health signals like heartbeats, body temperature, and pulse rate, and modify treatment if any side-effect is detected. They also collaborate with other doctors during the treatment for better outcomes.
Why is immunization important for a child's health?
Immunization is a simple and effective way of protecting children from serious diseases. Vaccines work by triggering the immune system to fight against certain diseases. If a vaccinated person comes in contact with these diseases, their immune system is able to respond more effectively, preventing the disease.
Why should I come to Aster MIMS hospital for Paediatric treatment?
Aster MIMS Hospital has a wide range of paediatric services and treatments that are available under one roof. We believe that children deserve to be treated with understanding and care and to receive the highest quality health care. Aster Mims is specifically designed to take care of the whole child through a family-centred approach to medicine.
How does a paediatric oncologist decide on a treatment plan?
Paediatric oncologists first analyse the patient’s conditions through various tests, monitor core symptoms, and then prepare a personalised treatment plan. They work closely with children to understand their conditions before deciding on treatments. Our paediatric oncologist follows this approach to develop effective solutions.
What advancements or technologies are utilised by paediatric oncologists?
Several advancements are utilised by paediatric oncologists, such as biopsy tools, laparoscopes, stethoscopes, opthalometers, digital BP monitors, infusion pumps, CT scanners, X-ray machines, ultrasound devices, and MRI scanners. Our paediatric oncologists in access the latest technologies for quality treatments.
What documents should I carry on my first visit to a paediatric oncologist?
Certain documents you need to carry during your first visit to a paediatric oncologist include physical checkups, blood test reports, past treatment records, and ongoing prescriptions. Our paediatric oncologist offers quality assistance during the visit and treatment preparations.
How should I prepare for my first visit to a paediatric oncologist?
To prepare for your first visit to a paediatric oncologist, you can gather all the relevant documents regarding your child’s treatment and medical reports. Moreover, you can list down important questions regarding critical health diseases to know more about core problems.
