Pediatric Hematology and Oncology

Hematology is the branch of medicine that studies the structure and functions of blood and bone marrow.

In the Pediatric Hematology-Oncology Clinic, our specialist physicians diagnose and treat many blood disorders such as nutritional anemias (Iron Deficiency Anemia, Vitamin B12 Deficiency Anemia), Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia, Acute Myeloid Leukemia, Aplastic Anemia, Thalassemia (Mediterranean Anemia), and Hemophilia.

After examining our pediatric patients, treatment methods are planned accordingly. In our specially designed Pediatric Hematology and Oncology Clinic, equipped with the latest technology, chemotherapy nurses prepare medications for children in sterile conditions.

Emsey Hospital’s Pediatric Hematology and Oncology Unit is organized as a separate section tailored to the needs of children, aiming to improve their quality of life during their hospital stay.

Main Diseases Diagnosed And Treated In The Pediatric Hematology And Oncology Unit

Red Blood Cells (Erythrocytes) And Related Disorders

Red blood cells contain hemoglobin, the protein that gives blood its red color. They transport oxygen from the lungs to tissues and carry carbon dioxide from tissues to the lungs.

Diseases affecting these cells can lead to:

• Anemia (low red blood cell count) – In anemia, nutrients and oxygen cannot be adequately delivered to the organs, causing symptoms such as fatigue, weakness, pallor, palpitations, poor school performance, memory issues, irritability, short stature, and growth retardation.
  • Common causes: Iron deficiency, Vitamin B12 deficiency, folic acid deficiency, zinc deficiency.
• Hemolytic anemias – Caused by abnormal destruction of red blood cells, such as in hemolytic anemia, G6PD deficiency, hereditary spherocytosis, autoimmune hemolytic anemia.
• Inherited and other disorders – Thalassemia (Mediterranean anemia), sickle cell disease, Fanconi aplastic anemia, aplastic anemia (bone marrow failure), and polycythemia (excess red blood cells).

White Blood Cells And Related Disorders

White blood cells are a key defense mechanism of the body, with various types serving different functions. They produce antibodies and directly destroy invading microorganisms.

Abnormalities in number or function can cause:

• Frequent infections and fevers
• Recurrent illnesses such as ear infections, pneumonia, diarrhea
• Oral thrush
• Weight loss or failure to gain weight
• Skin infections

An increased number of white blood cells (leukocytosis) should also be evaluated carefully.

Platelets and Bleeding Disorders

Platelets are the smallest cellular components in the blood. The vascular system, platelets, and clotting factors work together to prevent bleeding.

If any part of this system malfunctions, symptoms may include:

• Nosebleeds, umbilical stump bleeding
• Easy bruising
• Heavy menstrual bleeding
• Abnormal bleeding test results before surgery
• Prolonged bleeding after surgery or circumcision
• Gastrointestinal or urinary tract bleeding
• Joint bleeding

Clotting Disorders

These include conditions with a tendency for abnormal blood clot formation, such as:

• Thrombosis (blood vessel blockage)
• Stroke
• Pulmonary embolism
• Renal vein thrombosis
• Thrombophlebitis
• Inherited clotting disorders

Childhood Cancers

Cancer is defined as a group of diseases characterized by uncontrolled, invasive, and abnormal cell division.

The most common childhood cancers are:

• Leukemia
• Central nervous system tumors
• Lymphomas

Other, less common types may also occur in children.

Being diagnosed with cancer is difficult for both the child and the family. However, thanks to advances in diagnosis and treatment, cancer is now less frightening, and early detection significantly improves outcomes.

Situations that may raise suspicion of cancer (depending on type and location):

Leukemia (Blood Cancer):

• Pallor, fatigue
• Frequent fevers
• Bone pain
• Bruising and skin discoloration
• Painless swollen lymph nodes
• Swelling anywhere in the body
• Unexplained nosebleeds, gum bleeding, blood in urine or stool

Brain Tumors:

• Headaches and vomiting, especially in the morning
• Vision problems
• Walking difficulties, imbalance
• Eye misalignment
• Seizures without fever
• Personality changes

Other warning signs include light reflecting in the pupil like a cat’s eye, involuntary eye movements, and dark circles around the eyes.

Multidisciplinary Approach

If cancer is suspected after examination and tests, the patient is evaluated in the Tumor Board by pediatric hematology-oncology specialists along with radiation oncology, pediatric surgery, nuclear medicine, and radiology experts to determine the most appropriate diagnosis and treatment plan.

In our clinic:

• Chemotherapy drugs for childhood cancers are prepared robotically.
• Radiation therapy, surgical treatment, and nuclear medicine therapies are performed by our specialists.

In our HEPA-filtered Pediatric Bone Marrow Transplant Unit, preparation protocols are personalized for each patient, considering the type of disease and previous treatments. The unit is designed to meet the needs of children during hospitalization and to improve their quality of life.