Pediatric oncology
Pediatric oncology focuses on the treatment of cancers that occur in children, from infants to teens. Cancer often manifests differently in children as they grow and develop. Pediatric oncology offers specialized cancer care to focus on the unique needs of childhood cancers.
Pediatric cancer center in Asheville, North Carolina
We diagnose and treat childhood cancers to restore lives and support families.
At Mission Children's Hospital, located in Mission Hospital, we understand there is nothing more difficult than your child having a serious illness. Our dedicated pediatric cancer program ensures your child gets high-quality care and that you don't have to go through it alone.
Related specialties
Learn more about our related specialties.
Types of cancer we treat in children
Childhood cancer may not be common, but it is life changing. We specialize in diagnosing and treating the most common cancers that affect children, including:
- Bone cancer
- Brain and spine tumors
- Eye cancer
- Leukemia
- Liver cancer
- Lymphoma
- Nephroblastoma
- Neuroblastoma
- Skin cancer
- Soft tissue cancers
Services of our pediatric cancer program
Our board-certified hematologist-oncologists are specially trained to manage complex pediatric cancers and blood disorders. They have dedicated help from a multidisciplinary team of pediatric nurse practitioners, nurses, social workers, pharmacists and child life therapists.
Cancer treatments for children
We have a common goal of providing comprehensive children's oncology care in one central location. Features of our facility include an on-site laboratory, pharmacy and infusion center for chemotherapy administration. Depending on the type and severity of your child's cancer, this team's collective treatment plan may vary. There are numerous ways to treat cancer, but we will always prioritize nonsurgical treatments before considering invasive surgery.
Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy is a drug-based treatment that kills fast-growing cancer cells. It may be given intravenously, as is most common, as an injection, as a pill or liquid, or even as a cream that you rub into your skin. Chemotherapy can either be used before or after surgery or radiation therapy.
Radiation therapy
Radiation therapy uses high-powered X-rays to kill cancer cells. Although it can be used independently, it is typically most effective when coupled with chemotherapy and/or surgery. The two primary types of radiation therapy include external beam radiation therapy (EBRT) and internal radiation therapy. Both destroy the DNA of cancer cells and prevent them from growing any further. EBRT uses a machine to beam targeted blasts of radiation to your child's tumor. Alternately, internal radiation therapy attacks tumors from inside your body, typically through ingestion of a liquid or solid material.
Surgical oncology
If necessary, surgery can be a very effective form of oncology treatment. If you, your child and your child's doctor decide surgery is warranted, our pediatric cancer specialists will walk you through every step of the process. During consultation, we will help determine which procedure will produce the best outcome for your child.
Interventional oncology
Interventional oncology is a treatment we use when a cancer has been resistant to surgery and chemotherapy. Treatment options include radiofrequency ablation (RFA), which kills a tumor with heat, and cryoablation, which kills tumors and cancerous cells through intense cold.
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