Categorizing blood according to type helps prevent reactions when someone gets a blood transfusion. Find out how blood types work.
The lymphatic system is an extensive drainage network that helps keep bodily fluid levels in balance and defends the body against infections.
Learn about genetic disorders and diseases and conditions that affect the blood.
Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) is the most common type of childhood cancer. Because it develops and gets worse quickly, prompt treatment is very important. With treatment, most kids are cured.
Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) happens when the body makes too many immature white blood cells. Among kids with leukemia, 20% have this type. With treatment, most recover.
Alpha thalassemia is a blood disorder in which the body has a problem producing alpha globin, a component of hemoglobin, the protein in red blood cells that transports oxygen throughout the body.
Anemia happens when there aren't enough healthy red blood cells in the body. It can be caused by many things, including dietary problems, medical treatments, and inherited conditions.
These cancers are the most common type of cancer in children. When discovered early, they often can be cured.
Chemotherapy (chemo) is treatment with medicines that stop the growth of cancer cells.
Different kinds of childhood cancer have different signs, symptoms, treatments, and outcomes. But today, most kids with cancer get better.
Elective surgery means you and the doctor decide when the it will happen. Many elective surgeries are important, potentially life-changing operations. Here's how to plan for them.
This type of cancer mainly develops in the arms, legs, ribs, spinal column, and pelvis. Early diagnosis and treatment mean most kids have a good chance of recovery.
Germ cell tumors happen when reproductive cells in an unborn baby don't develop as they should.
A glioma is a type of brain tumor that starts in glial cells, which support the nerve cells of the brain and spinal cord. Doctors treat most gliomas with surgery alone or combinations of surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy.
Hepatoblastoma is a rare type of cancer that affects the liver but rarely spreads beyond it. Most cases are in children younger than 3.
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a type of liver cancer. It's treated by a health care team of specialists in many areas.
Hodgkin lymphoma is a type of cancer that affects the lymphatic system. Most kids and teens who get Hodgkin lymphoma get better.
Learn about this rare type of cancer, which usually affects kids under 4 years old.
Long-term side effects, or late effects, happen to many cancer survivors. With early diagnosis and proper follow-up care, most late effects can be treated or cured.
Leukemia refers to cancers of the white blood cells. With the proper treatment, the outlook for kids with leukemia is quite good.
Tumors happen when cells form a mass or growth. Liver tumors can be benign (not cancerous) or malignant (cancerous).
Lymphoma is cancer that begins in the body's lymphatic tissue. It's a common type of cancer in children, but most recover from it.
Medulloblastoma is a type of brain tumor. Most brain tumors in children are medulloblastoma.
Melanoma is the deadliest form of skin cancer. Find out how to lower your family's risk of getting melanoma and how doctors treat it.
Learn about neuroblastoma, a rare type of childhood cancer that develops in infants and young children.
Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) is a genetic condition that causes benign tumors in and under the skin, often with bone, hormone, and other problems. Learn more about how it's diagnosed and treated.
Certain cancers, or cancer treatment, can weaken the immune system, requiring a child to stay home to avoid exposure to germs. Here are ways to help your child make the best of it.
Non-Hodgkin lymphoma (also called non-Hodgkin's lymphoma) is a is a cancer of the lymphatic system. The majority of kids with this type of cancer are cured.
Eating as well as possible and staying hydrated can help kids undergoing cancer treatment keep up their strength and deal with side effects. These tips can help.
Osteosarcoma is the most common type of bone cancer. Boys are more likely to have osteosarcoma than girls, and most cases of osteosarcoma involve the knee.
Retinoblastoma is a childhood cancer that affects the retina, the area of the eye responsible for sensing light and sending nerve signals to the brain.
A rhabdoid tumor of the liver is a cancer that often spreads quickly to other parts of the body. Most of these very rare tumors happen in babies and toddlers.
Rhabdomyosarcoma is a cancerous tumor that shows up in the body's soft tissues. With early diagnosis and timely treatment, most kids make a full recovery.
Testicular cancer is uncommon in boys. Most cases are in young and middle-aged men. It responds well to treatment, especially when it’s found early.
Thrombocytopenia is when someone has too few platelets in their bloodstream. Many things can cause it and most can be treated.
Thyroid cancer is uncommon in kids. Most who develop it do very well when the cancer is found and treated early.
These surgically placed tubes let kids get blood drawn and receive intravenous (IV) medicines and fluids without repeated needle sticks.
Wilms tumor is a cancer of the kidneys that usually affects newborns and the very young. Fortunately, most kids with Wilms tumor survive and go on to live normal, healthy lives.
Find out what the experts have to say.
Find out what the experts say.
Minimally invasive surgery is a type of procedure done without the use of a large incision (cut).
Find out what the experts have to say.
Knowing the basics of anesthesia may help answer your questions and ease some concerns — both yours and your child's.
Here's a quick look at what may happen before, during, and after your child gets anesthesia.
Taking care of a chronically ill child is one of the most draining and difficult tasks a parent can face. But support groups, social workers, and family friends often can help.
A central line, or central venous catheter, is much longer than a regular IV. Doctors use them to give medicine, fluids, blood, or nutrition to patients.
Chemotherapy (chemo) is treatment with medicines that stop the growth of cancer cells.
It's normal for kids to have hair loss, skin changes, or weight gain during treatment. This article offers tips for helping kids feel better about their appearance.
You can treat mild sunburn at home. But severe sunburn needs medical attention. Here's what to do.
Involving teens in their health care can help prepare them for managing it on their own as adults.
Kids who will be having surgery may feel stressed about it. Here's how parents can help them.
This promising new type of cancer treatment stimulates a person's immune system so it is better able to fight disease.
An implanted port is a type of central line that goes up to a vein near the heart or just inside the heart. A child can get medicine, fluids, blood, or nutrition through one.
Many families with a child in remission feel empowered to make lifestyle changes that could benefit their child's health in the future. Here are some tips.
Long-term side effects, or late effects, happen to many cancer survivors. With early diagnosis and proper follow-up care, most late effects can be treated or cured.
Giving kids medicine safely can be complicated. Here's how you can help treat your child's illness while you prevent dangerous reactions.
Minimally invasive surgery is a type of procedure done without the use of a large incision (cut).
Eating as well as possible and staying hydrated can help kids undergoing cancer treatment keep up their strength and deal with side effects. These tips can help.
Palliative care provides physical, emotional, and spiritual support to sick children and their families.
A PICC line is like an IV line, but is much longer and can stay in place for longer periods.
Proton therapy is an advanced type of radiation therapy. It's an effective treatment for many childhood cancers.
Radioembolization is a procedure used to treat some kinds of liver tumors. A radioactive material works on the tumor, not the healthy tissue around it.
Help ease your child's pain and anxiety with these exercises, complete with step-by-step instructions.
Stem cells help rebuild a weakened immune system. Stem cell transplants are effective treatments for a wide range of diseases, including cancer.
Unlike the steroids that body builders use, steroids used in cancer treatment are safe and help kids feel better.
By teaching kids how to enjoy fun in the sun safely, parents can reduce their risk for developing skin cancer.
If your child is sick, you'll probably have many questions to ask your doctor. But have you made a list of questions and concerns to share with your pharmacist?
Building a relationship with your child's doctor requires communication and reasonable expectations.
Swallowing a pill is something that many of us take for granted. But just like any skill, learning to swallow a pill takes practice.
These surgically placed tubes let kids get blood drawn and receive intravenous (IV) medicines and fluids without repeated needle sticks.
Gene therapy carries the promise of cures for many diseases and for types of medical treatment most of us would not have thought possible.
What are nurse practitioners, and how do they differ from medical doctors?
Check out our cancer glossary for lots of easy-to-read definitions.
Taking care of a chronically ill child is one of the most draining and difficult tasks a parent can face. But support groups, social workers, and family friends often can help.
Being a kid doesn't always mean being carefree - even the youngest tots worry. Find out what stresses kids out and how to help them cope.
It's normal for kids to have hair loss, skin changes, or weight gain during treatment. This article offers tips for helping kids feel better about their appearance.
Many families with a child in remission feel empowered to make lifestyle changes that could benefit their child's health in the future. Here are some tips.
It's normal for children to feel afraid at times. Parents can help kids feel safe and learn to feel at ease.
Help ease your child's pain and anxiety with these exercises, complete with step-by-step instructions.
Doctors order biopsies to examine tissue or cells when they're concerned about a problem such as an infection, inflammation, or cancer.
An aspartate aminotransferase (AST) blood test is often part of an initial screening for liver problems.
An erythrocyte sedimentation rate test (ESR) detects inflammation that may be caused by infection and some autoimmune diseases.
Lactate dehydrogenase (also called lactic acid dehydrogenase, or LDH) is an enzyme found in almost all body tissues. The LDH test is generally used to screen for tissue damage.
Doctors do this test to assess blood levels of magnesium, which helps the muscles and nerves function, the heart maintain normal rhythm, the bones stay strong, and the body process energy and make proteins.
A partial thromboplastin time (PTT) test is used to evaluate blood's ability to clot. It may be done as part of an evaluation for a bleeding disorder or to monitor the effects of blood-thinning medicine.
Doctors may order a phosphorus blood test to help diagnose or monitor kidney disorders, calcium and bone problems, or other conditions.
Doctors may order this test if they suspect high levels of uric acid in the bloodstream. Some kids with leukemia or other types of cancer can have high levels of uric acid (hyperuricemia).
A chest CT scan uses a special X-ray machine to take pictures of a patient's lungs, heart, blood vessels, airway passages, ribs, and lymph nodes.
A neck CT scan uses a special X-ray machine to make images of the soft tissues and organs of the neck, including the muscles, throat, tonsils, adenoids, airways, thyroid, and other glands.
A CT scan, also called a CAT scan, is a type of imaging test. It uses computers and a rotating X-ray machine to take cross-sectional pictures of the body.
An ultrasound scan is a medical test that uses high-frequency sound waves to create live images from the inside the body. Here's what to know if your child is getting this test.
Find out how and why doctors perform lumbar punctures (spinal taps).
Doctors order abdominal ultrasounds when they're concerned about symptoms such as belly pain, repeated vomiting, abnormal liver or kidney function tests, or a swollen belly.
