Types of children's cancer we treat

At Advocate Children’s Hospital, we treat all types of childhood cancer, providing the latest care in intimate settings. We carefully organize each appointment at our cancer centers, ensuring your child receives prompt care and gets home as quickly as possible.

Your family’s personal social worker meets with you at every appointment and guides you through tests and treatments. Doctors, nurses, Child Life specialists and other team members work closely with your child and get to know your whole family.

Types of children’s cancer we treat

Our team provides many types of effective therapy directly at our cancer centers, with additional treatments nearby as needed. But we also recognize each child has different needs. We don’t hesitate to reach out for consultations and second opinions with colleagues across the country.

Among the types of cancer we treat are:

• Bone cancers: Some cancers start elsewhere in the body and spread to the bones. However, other cancers start in the bones, usually in older children or teenagers. Find out more about our care for these primary bone cancers.
• Brain and spinal cord tumors: Some brain and spinal cord tumors are benign, or noncancerous, but may still need treatment. Others are malignant, representing the most common childhood cancer after leukemia. Learn more about care for brain and spinal cord tumors at the neurosciences center, part of Advocate Children’s Hospital.
• Leukemia: There are several types of leukemia, and together they represent the most common childhood cancer. They grow quickly in bone marrow and blood, but the most common type often responds well to treatment. Read more about our leukemia care.
• Lymphoma: These cancers develop in the lymph system, which helps the body fight infections. Learn about the types of lymphoma and how we treat them.
• Retinoblastoma: This type of cancer develops in one or both eyes. Parents often notice visible changes to the affected eye. Find out more about out retinoblastoma care.
• Rhabdomyosarcoma: This soft-tissue cancer can impact nearly all parts of the body, though in children it most often occurs in muscles. Learn more about how we treat rhabdomyosarcoma.
• Wilms family of tumors: These cancers of the kidneys are sometimes called nephroblastoma. Disease may show up as swelling or a lump near their stomach. Read more about our care for the Wilms family of tumors.

 

Diagnosing children’s cancer

Sometimes, pediatricians start to look for cancer with a physical exam or blood test, before sending children to us for further evaluation. At other times, they want us to perform a specialized consultation right away.

Whatever the situation, our care team promptly meets with you and your child to determine which tests are needed, based on symptoms and medical history. There are many types of tests, including scans, blood and urine tests, and tissue sampling. Learn more about our diagnostic tests and imaging.

In some cases, you may want a second opinion. We support second opinions and work with our colleagues across the region and the country to get you the most accurate diagnosis.

Treating children’s cancer

After a diagnosis, our doctors work with you and your child to decide on the best treatment plan. We make sure you hear about all available options, and answer all of your questions.

By choosing Advocate Children’s Hospital, your family has access to both proven, established cancer treatments and newer options such as proton therapy.

Support for your child and family

Our social workers are available to the whole family during your child’s treatment. Read more about our support for your child and family, including:

• On-call nurses who can answer questions 24/7
• School assistance during and after treatment
• Free events and activities for your family