Pediatric Oncosurgery in Mumbai

Childhood cancers are rare compared to adult cancers, they require prompt diagnosis, specialized treatment, and expert surgical care. The encouraging news is that many pediatric cancers are highly treatable, and with advances in surgery, chemotherapy, targeted therapies, and supportive care, survival rates have improved significantly over the past few decades.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), nearly 400,000 children and adolescents (0–19 years) are diagnosed with cancer globally each year. In India, childhood cancers account for approximately 3–5% of all cancers, with thousands of new cases diagnosed annually. Early detection and treatment at a specialized centre play a vital role in improving outcomes and reducing long-term complications.

If you are looking for expert Pediatric Oncosurgery in Mumbai, Dr. Bhavesh Doshi, Consultant Pediatric Surgeon, offers comprehensive surgical management for children with benign and malignant tumours at Dhanvantari Hospital. Working closely with pediatric oncologists, radiologists, pathologists, and critical care specialists, he provides individualized surgical care tailored to each child's diagnosis and overall health.

Childhood Tumours: Not Every Lump Is Cancer

Finding a swelling or lump on your child's body can be alarming, but it is important to know that not every tumour is cancerous.

Tumours are broadly classified into:

• Benign tumours – Non-cancerous growths that usually do not spread to other parts of the body but may still require surgical removal depending on their size or location.
• Malignant tumours – Cancerous growths that can invade nearby tissues or spread to distant organs if left untreated.

Accurate diagnosis through imaging, laboratory investigations, and biopsy is essential before deciding on the most appropriate treatment plan.

Which Childhood Cancers May Require Surgery?

Surgery plays an important role in diagnosing, staging, or treating many pediatric cancers.

Common conditions include:

Wilms Tumour

A kidney cancer that usually affects young children and is often treated with surgery combined with chemotherapy.

Neuroblastoma

A tumour arising from immature nerve cells, commonly affecting the adrenal glands or abdomen.

Hepatoblastoma

A rare liver tumour seen mainly in infants and young children.

Soft Tissue Sarcomas

These cancers develop in muscles, connective tissues, or blood vessels and may require complete surgical removal.

Ovarian and Testicular Tumours

Some childhood reproductive organ tumours require surgical treatment while preserving as much normal tissue as possible.

Benign Abdominal and Chest Tumours

Not all masses are cancerous. Many benign cysts and tumours also require surgery when they cause symptoms or continue to grow.

Early Signs Parents Should Never Ignore

Many childhood cancers begin with subtle symptoms that can easily be mistaken for common illnesses.

Parents should consult a specialist if a child develops:

• A persistent lump or swelling
• Unexplained abdominal enlargement
• Persistent pain
• Blood in urine
• Unexplained weight loss
• Persistent fever without infection
• Loss of appetite
• Fatigue
• Bone pain
• Difficulty breathing caused by a chest mass
• Persistent vomiting or headaches associated with neurological symptoms

Although these symptoms do not always indicate cancer, they should be evaluated promptly.

How Are Pediatric Tumours Diagnosed?

A careful evaluation helps determine the type and extent of the disease.

Investigations may include:

Physical Examination

Assessment of the swelling, abdomen, lymph nodes, and general health.

Blood Tests

To evaluate overall health and identify tumour-related abnormalities.

Ultrasound

Often the first imaging investigation for abdominal masses.

CT Scan or MRI

Provides detailed information about the size, location, and spread of the tumour.

Biopsy

A tissue sample is examined under a microscope to confirm the diagnosis and determine the exact tumour type.

Additional Staging Tests

Depending on the diagnosis, PET scans, bone scans, or bone marrow evaluation may be recommended.

The Role of Surgery in Paediatric Oncology

Surgery is often one part of a comprehensive treatment plan.

Depending on the diagnosis, surgical management may include:

• Biopsy for diagnosis
• Complete tumour removal
• Organ-preserving surgery whenever possible
• Lymph node assessment
• Reconstruction after tumour removal
• Surgery after chemotherapy to remove remaining disease
• Minimally invasive surgery for selected tumours

The primary goal is to remove the tumour safely while preserving normal organ function and supporting healthy growth.

A Team That Fights Together: Multidisciplinary Cancer Care

Successful treatment of childhood cancer involves much more than surgery alone.

A multidisciplinary team may include:

• Pediatric Surgeon
• Pediatric Oncologist
• Pediatric Anaesthesiologist
• Radiologist
• Pathologist
• Pediatric Intensivist
• Nutritionist
• Physiotherapist
• Psychological Counsellor

Working together, these specialists develop a personalized treatment plan that focuses on both curing the disease and maintaining the child's quality of life.

Why Choose Dr. Bhavesh Doshi for Pediatric Oncosurgery in Mumbai?

Managing childhood tumours requires surgical precision, careful planning, and close coordination with pediatric oncology specialists. Dr. Bhavesh Doshi is an experienced Pediatric Surgeon with expertise in neonatal surgery, pediatric gastrointestinal surgery, pediatric urology, thoracic surgery, congenital anomalies, and the surgical management of pediatric tumours. He is experienced in performing biopsies, tumour resections, and complex abdominal and thoracic procedures while prioritizing organ preservation whenever possible.

At Dhanvantari Hospital, children benefit from advanced imaging, modern operation theatres, pediatric intensive care support, and multidisciplinary cancer management. Dr. Doshi believes in transparent communication with families, individualized treatment planning, and compassionate care that supports both the child and parents throughout every stage of treatment.