The importance of early diagnosis, treatment approaches, and avoiding misuse in childhood cancers was discussed at Near East University Hospital with a presentation by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Kudret Çağlar.
The Cancer and Genetics Research Center, operating within Near East University, which is among the top five hundred universities in the world, added another educational initiative to its efforts to raise public awareness. The event, titled “Cancer in Children: What Should We Do, What Shouldn’t We Do?”, was a scientific program addressing correct approaches and preventive measures in childhood cancers. Enriched with current information and experiences, the event created a guiding educational platform.
The event was moderated by Assist. Prof. Dr. Duygu Rüstem, a faculty member of the Department of Medical Biochemistry at Near East University Faculty of Medicine. The event, held at Near East University Hospital with quite a high participation, featured Assoc. Prof. Dr. Kudret Çağlar, a specialist in Pediatric Oncology and Child Health and Diseases, as the speaker. Assoc. Prof. Dr. Çağlar provided participants with detailed information about types of childhood cancer, cancer symptoms, points to consider during the diagnostic process, and treatment approaches, also emphasizing the importance of avoiding possible incorrect practices.
A scientific roadmap for childhood cancers…
n the presentation given as part of the event, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Kudret Çağlar provided information about the introduction to pediatric oncology, basic concepts in cancer, the tumor development process, the characteristics of benign and malignant tumors, and the genetic and environmental causes of cancer. The presentation also covered the classification and incidence of childhood cancers, leukemia and lymphomas, and brain tumors. Symptoms suggestive of cancer in children and differential diagnosis processes were also explained. In the continuation of the presentation, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Çağlar shared with the participants topics such as approach to patients with anemia, assessment of lymphadenopathy, approach to mediastinal and abdominal masses, neuroblastoma, testicular and bone tumors, retinoblastoma, and examination and clinical evaluation in pediatric patients.
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Kudret Çağlar: “Persistent bone pain, constantly recurring fever, and unexplained anemia must be taken seriously!”
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Kudret Çağlar, a specialist in Pediatric Oncology and Child Health and Diseases, emphasized that early awareness plays a decisive role in the diagnosis and treatment process of childhood cancers, stating that certain symptoms should be carefully assessed. Assoc. Prof. Dr. Çağlar noted that prolonged fever, persistent bone pain, unexplained weakness and paleness, enlarged lymph nodes in the neck or other parts of the body, and palpable masses in the abdomen can be warning signs of cancer in children. He added, “Although childhood cancers are rarer than in adults, treatment success rates are quite high when diagnosed early.”
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Çağlar stated that accurate clinical assessment is crucial in the diagnostic process, noting that leukemia, lymphoma, and brain tumors are among the most common types of cancer in children, and that these diseases can sometimes be confused with infections or other health problems. “For example, persistent bone pain, recurring fever, unexplained anemia, or lymph nodes that don’t shrink despite antibiotic treatment must be carefully examined.” said Assoc. Prof. Dr. Çağlar, adding that it is important to seek expert opinion without delay in such cases.
Emphasizing that a detailed history and physical examination are fundamental in the assessment of pediatric patients, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Çağlar said, “The most important approach in pediatrics is to correctly assess the patient’s complaints, history, and examination. Sometimes it may not be possible to make a definitive diagnosis at first glance, but the important thing is to avoid misdiagnosis and to closely monitor the patient.” He also emphasized that palpable masses in the abdomen or any part of the body, unexplained neurological findings, and long-standing lymphadenopathies must be assessed from a pediatric oncology perspective.
