Health Library

Articles In This Section

• Non-Hodgkin (Non-Hodgkin’s) Lymphoma

  Non-Hodgkin lymphoma (also called non-Hodgkin's lymphoma) is a is a cancer of the lymphatic system. The majority of kids with this type of cancer are cured.

• How Can I Help My Teen Quit Smoking for Good?

  Find out what the experts say.

• Childhood Fears and Worries

  It's normal for children to feel afraid at times. Parents can help kids feel safe and learn to feel at ease.

• Words to Know (Cancer Glossary)

  Check out our cancer glossary for lots of easy-to-read definitions.

• Should Girls Who Aren’t Sexually Active Be Vaccinated Against HPV?

  Find out what the experts have to say.

• Are Tanning Salons Safe?

  Find out what the experts have to say.

• Getting an Ultrasound

  An ultrasound scan is a medical test that uses high-frequency sound waves to create live images from the inside the body. Here's what to know if your child is getting this test.

• CT (CAT) Scans

  A CT scan, also called a CAT scan, is a type of imaging test. It uses computers and a rotating X-ray machine to take cross-sectional pictures of the body.

• CT (CAT) Scan: Neck

  A neck CT scan uses a special X-ray machine to make images of the soft tissues and organs of the neck, including the muscles, throat, tonsils, adenoids, airways, thyroid, and other glands.

• CT (CAT) Scan: Chest

  A chest CT scan uses a special X-ray machine to take pictures of a patient's lungs, heart, blood vessels, airway passages, ribs, and lymph nodes.

• Blood Test: Partial Thromboplastin Time (PTT)

  A partial thromboplastin time (PTT) test is used to evaluate blood's ability to clot. It may be done as part of an evaluation for a bleeding disorder or to monitor the effects of blood-thinning medicine.

• Blood Test: Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (ESR)

  An erythrocyte sedimentation rate test (ESR) detects inflammation that may be caused by infection and some autoimmune diseases.

• Biopsies

  Doctors order biopsies to examine tissue or cells when they're concerned about a problem such as an infection, inflammation, or cancer.

• What’s a Nurse Practitioner?

  What are nurse practitioners, and how do they differ from medical doctors?

• What Is Gene Therapy?

  Gene therapy carries the promise of cures for many diseases and for types of medical treatment most of us would not have thought possible.

• Tunneled Central Lines

  These surgically placed tubes let kids get blood drawn and receive intravenous (IV) medicines and fluids without repeated needle sticks.

• Steroids for Treating Cancer

  Unlike the steroids that body builders use, steroids used in cancer treatment are safe and help kids feel better.

• Nutritional Needs for Kids With Cancer

  Eating as well as possible and staying hydrated can help kids undergoing cancer treatment keep up their strength and deal with side effects. These tips can help.

• Late Effects of Cancer and Cancer Treatment

  Long-term side effects, or late effects, happen to many cancer survivors. With early diagnosis and proper follow-up care, most late effects can be treated or cured.

• Keeping Your Child Healthy During Cancer Remission

  Many families with a child in remission feel empowered to make lifestyle changes that could benefit their child's health in the future. Here are some tips.

• Implanted Ports

  An implanted port is a type of central line that goes up to a vein near the heart or just inside the heart. A child can get medicine, fluids, blood, or nutrition through one.

• Immunotherapy to Treat Cancer

  This promising new type of cancer treatment stimulates a person's immune system so it is better able to fight disease.

• Helping Kids Get Ready for Surgery

  Kids who will be having surgery may feel stressed about it. Here's how parents can help them.

• Central Lines (Central Venous Catheters)

  A central line, or central venous catheter, is much longer than a regular IV. Doctors use them to give medicine, fluids, blood, or nutrition to patients.

• Anesthesia – What to Expect

  Here's a quick look at what may happen before, during, and after your child gets anesthesia.

• Testicular Cancer

  Testicular cancer is uncommon in boys. Most cases are in young and middle-aged men. It responds well to treatment, especially when it’s found early.

• Rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS)

  Rhabdomyosarcoma is a cancerous tumor that shows up in the body's soft tissues. With early diagnosis and timely treatment, most kids make a full recovery.

• Thyroid Cancer

  Thyroid cancer is uncommon in kids. Most who develop it do very well when the cancer is found and treated early.

• Proton Therapy for Cancer

  Proton therapy is an advanced type of radiation therapy. It's an effective treatment for many childhood cancers.

• Neutropenia

  Certain cancers, or cancer treatment, can weaken the immune system, requiring a child to stay home to avoid exposure to germs. Here are ways to help your child make the best of it.

• Neuroblastoma

  Learn about neuroblastoma, a rare type of childhood cancer that develops in infants and young children.

• Melanoma

  Melanoma is the deadliest form of skin cancer. Find out how to lower your family's risk of getting melanoma and how doctors treat it.

• Hodgkin Lymphoma

  Hodgkin lymphoma is a type of cancer that affects the lymphatic system. Most kids and teens who get Hodgkin lymphoma get better.

• Juvenile Myelomonocytic Leukemia (JMML)

  Learn about this rare type of cancer, which usually affects kids under 4 years old.

• Leukemia

  Leukemia refers to cancers of the white blood cells. With the proper treatment, the outlook for kids with leukemia is quite good.

• Lymphoma

  Lymphoma is cancer that begins in the body's lymphatic tissue. It's a common type of cancer in children, but most recover from it.

• Chemotherapy

  Chemotherapy (chemo) is treatment with medicines that stop the growth of cancer cells.

• Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML)

  Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) happens when the body makes too many immature white blood cells. Among kids with leukemia, 20% have this type. With treatment, most recover.

• Childhood Cancer

  Different kinds of childhood cancer have different signs, symptoms, treatments, and outcomes. But today, most kids with cancer get better.

• Ewing Sarcoma

  This type of cancer mainly develops in the arms, legs, ribs, spinal column, and pelvis. Early diagnosis and treatment mean most kids have a good chance of recovery.

• Germ Cell Tumors

  Germ cell tumors happen when reproductive cells in an unborn baby don't develop as they should.

• Retinoblastoma

  Retinoblastoma is a childhood cancer that affects the retina, the area of the eye responsible for sensing light and sending nerve signals to the brain.

• Anemia

  Anemia happens when there aren't enough healthy red blood cells in the body. It can be caused by many things, including dietary problems, medical treatments, and inherited conditions.

• A to Z: Beta Thalassemia

  Learn about genetic disorders and diseases and conditions that affect the blood.

• Medulloblastoma

  Medulloblastoma is a type of brain tumor. Most brain tumors in children are medulloblastoma.

• Gliomas

  A glioma is a type of brain tumor that starts in glial cells, which support the nerve cells of the brain and spinal cord. Doctors treat most gliomas with surgery alone or combinations of surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy.

• Brain and Nervous System Cancers

  These cancers are the most common type of cancer in children. When discovered early, they often can be cured.

• Stem Cell Transplants

  Stem cells help rebuild a weakened immune system. Stem cell transplants are effective treatments for a wide range of diseases, including cancer.

• Teaching Your Child How to Swallow Pills

  Swallowing a pill is something that many of us take for granted. But just like any skill, learning to swallow a pill takes practice.