Cancer Treatment
Cancer is a devastating disease that affects people of all ages, including children. However, there are treatments available to help your child receive the care they need.
Dr Singh provides surgical cancer treatments for children, including biopsies, placing chemotherapy ports, and tumour excisions.
Childhood cancers
There are several types of cancer that can affect children, including:
Leukaemia: This is the most common type of childhood cancer and affects the blood and bone marrow.
Brain and spinal cord tumours: These types of tumours can occur in the brain or spinal cord and can be either benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous).
Lymphoma: This is cancer of the lymphatic system, which forms part of the immune system.
Neuroblastoma: This cancer affects the nervous system and is most common in infants and young children.
Wilms tumour: This cancer affects the kidneys and is more common in toddlers.
Biopsies
A biopsy is a procedure in which a small tissue sample is removed from a patient and examined to determine whether or not it is cancerous. Additionally, biopsies are crucial diagnostic tools that help Dr Singh determine the best treatment for your little one.
Dr Singh performs several types of biopsies to help diagnose cancerous cells:
Core: This type of biopsy uses a larger needle to remove a small cylindrical tissue sample. It is also minimally invasive and done at the clinic.
Excision: This type of biopsy involves removing the entire area of tissue for examination.
All biopsies are performed under general anaesthesia to give you and your little one peace of mind during the procedure.
Port placement
A port is a small device placed under the skin that allows your child to receive chemotherapy, blood transfusions and other treatments. This is a minimally invasive procedure that is only slightly uncomfortable.
Dr Singh will make an incision to insert the port under the skin and into a large vein, usually in the arm. The port is then connected to a catheter which delivers the treatment to the bloodstream.
Children don’t always understand their circumstances and may require some reassurance while receiving treatment. Dr Singh and her welcoming staff ensure they make every experience warm and positive. It’s also beneficial for parents and caregivers to play their part in helping their child understand the situation.
Tumour resections
Dr Singh performs tumour resections to remove all traces of cancerous cells. The goal of tumour resection is to remove as much of the tumour as possible while preserving your child’s normal function and quality of life.
Dr Singh does tumour removals under general anaesthesia, so your child will be asleep and experience no pain. She will carefully consider the location and size of the tumour, as well as your child’s overall health, when determining if tumour resection is necessary.
A cancer diagnosis is difficult for any individual, but especially children. Dr Singh and her efficient team will aim to make the process as easy as possible while providing compassionate care to your family.
Book an appointment
Suite 504, Life Kingsbury Hospital,
Wilderness Road,
Claremont,
Cape Town,
7735
Netcare Christiaan Barnard Memorial Hospital
25 DF Malan Street,
Foreshore,
Cape Town,
8001