Las Vegas, NV (702) 243-3340 The Only Pediatric Radiation Oncology Clinic in Las Vegas
When your child is diagnosed with cancer, it can feel like your whole world has been turned upside down. You may be feeling overwhelmed, scared, and likely have a lot of questions about next steps, treatment, and what to expect. As specialists in pediatric radiation oncology, we are here to help.
Oncology Las Vegas specializes in radiation therapy treatments, which are commonly used to treat pediatric cancer. We are the only clinic in the Las Vegas and Henderson areas that provides expert radiation treatment for cancer tailored to the unique needs of children.
What Makes Pediatric Radiation Oncology Different?
Radiation therapy uses high-energy rays to target and destroy cancer cells. However, these treatments are not one-size-fits all. Pediatric radiation oncology requires a different approach to radiation therapy than radiation oncology for adults, because kids are not just small adults. They have different bodies, different cancers, and different needs.
Children are more sensitive to radiation because their bodies are still growing. While our expert team of radiation oncologists always tailor treatments to individuals, extra care must be taken when providing radiation therapy treatment to children that ensures their small bodies receive the appropriate dosage of radiation and that we avoid damaging healthy tissues and minimize long-term side effects. Our pediatric radiation oncologists are trained to understand the differences in treating children versus adults and use techniques that take extra care to protect young patients.
How Radiation Therapy Works
Radiation therapy treatments can be given both internally and externally. For pediatric radiation oncology, we typically use external radiation treatments. High-energy rays are aimed directly at a tumor to damage the DNA of cancer cells. By damaging cancer cell DNA, we are able to prevent cancer cells from growing or dividing. Over the course of treatment, cancer cells become damaged enough that they simply die off, shrinking the tumor and in some cases eradicating it completely.
In order to provide the safest and most effective treatment, our Pediatric Radiation Oncologists work to be as precise as possible. We use advanced imaging technology and planning techniques to ensure the radiation is entirely focused on the cancerous cells, preserving surrounding healthy tissue and reducing side effects for our young patients.
What to Expect
Before beginning radiation treatments, you will meet with one of our Pediatric Radiation Oncologists to discuss your child’s diagnosis and a treatment plan. They will explain everything in detail and answer any questions you may have.
Once a treatment plan is in place, our team will use advanced imaging technology to map out the exact size, shape, and location of the tumor so we can accurately deliver radiation treatments to the tumor.
Pediatric Radiation Oncology treatments are usually given five days a week for several weeks. Receiving the actual doses of radiation is quick, only lasting a few minutes, and painless. Your child will lie on a treatment table while a machine is adjusted to the needed settings before delivering the radiation. Our staff will support your child throughout treatment and strive to make the process as comfortable as possible.
Common side effects of radiation treatments include fatigue and sensitive or irritated skin at the area of treatment. Depending on where the tumor is located and where radiation is directed, children may also experience hair loss, nausea, or bowel issues. Your child’s radiation oncologist can answer questions you may have about side effects and how to help minimize them. The majority of side effects cease after treatment is completed and the body is given time to recover.
After treatment has been completed, we will monitor your child’s progress with regular follow-up visits. Our goal is to help your child get back to living their best, healthiest life, and provide the support they need to get there.
Why Choose Oncology Las Vegas for Your Child
As the only clinic in the Las Vegas and Henderson areas providing this important treatment for pediatric patients, we take that responsibility seriously. In addition to ensuring our radiation oncologists have the training and experience needed to treat childhood cancers, we invest in the most advanced technology possible to provide the best treatment. We also strive to help our young patients feel as comfortable as possible in our clinic, so they can feel safe and at ease during their visits.
Childhood cancer takes its toll on the whole family. We are here to help. Our pediatric radiation oncologists and supporting staff can help you navigate this difficult time. With advanced technology, compassionate care, and a child-friendly environment, we are committed to helping your child achieve the best possible outcome. For the best Pediatric Radiation Oncology care, you can be confident you are in the best hands with Oncology Las Vegas.
