Audiogram
Detailed hearing tests carried out before and after treatment
Benign
A tumor that is not cancerous
Biopsy – If your doctor thinks that a tumor may be cancerous, a surgeon may remove part of it to examine it under a microscope.
There are two types of biopsy:
Needle Biopsy
A needle is put into the tumor through the skin to remove a small part of it. This test can be done under a local anesthetic.
Open Biopsy
A piece of the tumor is taken during a small operation using a general anesthetic. The surgeon may sometimes be able to remove the entire tumor rather than just take a sample. The sample of cells is sent to a laboratory to be examined by a pathologist.
Blood Tests – There are lots of different types of blood tests. Blood tests may be done when your child is diagnosed, during treatment, and afterwards at follow-up appointments.
The following tests may be done on your child’s blood.
Full Blood Count (FBC)
This test measures the number of different types of blood cells in the blood red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. This is one of the main ways to monitor the side effects of treatment.
Blood Chemistry
This test measures the levels of certain salts and proteins in the blood. It gives information about how well the body’s organs, such as the liver and kidneys, are working.
Blood group and cross-match – Blood samples can be used to find blood from a donor that matches your child’s blood. Cross-matching is done in case a blood transfusion is needed during your child’s treatment.
Blood Culture
This is when microbiologists (people who study types of infection) check the blood to see if there’s any infection in it.
Blood Clotting
The blood may be looked at to see how quickly it clots and if there’s a risk of bleeding. Clotting may be affected by cancer or cancer treatment.
Other tests: Blood may also be taken to see if your child has had any viruses in the past such as measles, hepatitis, German measles (rubella), cytomegalovirus (CMV), or chickenpox (herpes zoster).”
Bone Marrow Test (Bone Marrow Aspirate) – Some cancers can affect the bone marrow. This is the spongy material in the middle of some of our bones. It produces cells called stem cells, which develop into two different types of blood cells:
- Red blood cells, which carry oxygen around the body
- White blood cells, which are part of the immune system and essential for fighting infection, help the blood to clot and control bleeding.
To take a bone marrow sample, a needle is gently put into the hip bone and some of the marrow is drawn out with a syringe. This is then sent to a laboratory to be looked at. This test is usually done under a general anesthetic or sedation to make sure your child feels as little discomfort as possible. Older children may prefer to have a local anesthetic. The bone where the sample is taken from might feel sore for a few days after the test. A bone marrow test may be done when your child is diagnosed or at times during treatment.”
- Bone Scan – This scan will show how much bone is affected
Central Line – A tube that is used to give chemotherapy. It goes into the chest and directly into one of the major blood vessels. It usually stays in place for the duration of treatment.The end of the central line protrudes from the chest and is sealed off with a cap.
Having a central line avoids the need for repeated injections as all intravenous medication can be given through the line. The line can also be used to collect blood samples which are frequently required during treatment.
Chemotherapy – Uses anti-cancer (cytotoxic) drugs to destroy cancer cells
CT Scan – A CT scan takes a series of X-rays, which build up a three-dimensional picture of the inside of the body. It takes 10–30 minutes and is painless, but your child may be given a sedative or general anesthetic to make sure they lie still. Sometimes, special dyes are injected into a vein to make certain parts of the body show up better on the CT scan.
GFR (Glomerular Filtration Rate) Test – This test shows how well the kidneys are working and excreting drugs.
Chemotherapy – Uses anti-cancer (cytotoxic) drugs to destroy cancer cells
Hickman Line – Same as central line
Histology – The microscopic anatomy of cells and tissues.
Immunotherapy – Involves having specific drugs that target particular cancer cells
Intravenous or IV – Injection into a vein
Intramuscular or IM – Injection into muscle
Lumbar Puncture – This is done by inserting a fine needle into the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) between two spinal (vertebral) bones in the lower part of the spine. This is called a lumbar puncture and is usually done under a general anesthetic. The sample of CSF is then examined to see if any cancer cells are present.
Malignant – A tumor that is cancerous. If a tumour is malignant it grows uncontrollably and can travel to other parts of the body.
MBGN Scan
MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) Scan – This scan uses magnetism to build up a detailed picture of areas of the body. The scan is painless, but the machine is very noisy and looks frightening for children.
Subcutaneous or SC – Injection under the skin
Oral – Tablets, capsules, or a liquid that is swallowed
PET (Positron Emission Tomography) Scan – A PET (Positron Emission Tomography) scan is a medical imaging technique that uses a radioactive tracer to visualize and measure metabolic activity in the body.
Radiotherapy – Uses radiation to destroy cancer cells
Relapse – A child is said to have relapsed if their cancer returns once they have achieved remission. Treatment options for children who relapse will be determined by a number of factors.
Remission – A child is said to have achieved remission when there is no evidence of the disease using standard tests. There may still be minimal residual disease present at remission, hence the need for further blocks of treatment.
Stem Cell Transplant – Involves having high doses of chemotherapy drugs followed by an infusion of blood stem cells
Surgery – Aims to remove the tumor during an operation
Targeted Therapy – Involves special drugs that target proteins and genes in cancer cells
X-rays – A tumor often looks different from healthy tissue when seen on an X-ray. An X-ray can show if there’s a tumor in the chest, tummy (abdomen), or bones.
Ultrasound Scan – This test uses sound waves to build up a picture of the inside of the body. A gel will be spread onto the part of your child’s body being scanned. A small device like a microphone, which produces sound waves, is passed over the area. The sound waves are then converted into a picture by a computer. Ultrasound scans are completely safe and are mainly used to look at the tummy (abdomen) and heart.
