Expert Pediatric Oncology in Pune — Because Every Child Deserves a Fighting Chance

Pediatric oncology is the branch of medicine that specializes in diagnosing and treating cancers in children and adolescents from birth up to 18 years of age. It covers blood cancers (such as leukemia and lymphoma) and solid tumors (such as Wilms tumor, neuroblastoma, and bone cancers). Because children’s physiology and cancer biology differ significantly from adults, dedicated pediatric oncologists provide tailored treatment protocols designed specifically for young patients.

Yes, you should seek a specialist evaluation. While many conditions can cause these symptoms, persistent or unexplained fever, joint pain, and fatigue — particularly when accompanied by pallor, unexplained bruising, or swollen lymph nodes — warrant assessment by a pediatric oncologist. At IHCI, Pediatric oncologist is available Monday to Saturday, 9:30 AM to 3:00 PM. Walk-ins are welcome, and no referral is required.

Common early warning signs include: a lump or swelling that does not resolve, persistent unexplained fever lasting more than two weeks, unusual or extreme fatigue, pallor or looking pale, easy or unexplained bruising or bleeding, persistent bone or joint pain, sudden and unexplained weight loss, vision changes or a white reflex in the eye (leukocoria), and recurrent infections. Early evaluation significantly improves treatment outcomes.

Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL) — the most common childhood cancer — has remission rates above 85–90% in children when diagnosed and treated early using established chemotherapy protocols. Outcomes depend on the specific subtype, age at diagnosis, and how promptly treatment begins. At IHCI, children are treated according to current international standard-of-care protocols under the direct supervision of Pediatric oncologist

Chemotherapy is administered intravenously and is not painful during infusion. Some side effects — including nausea, fatigue, or mouth sores — can cause discomfort, but our team actively manages these with supportive medications and careful monitoring. For children requiring frequent or long-term chemotherapy, we use PICC lines or Chemoports to avoid repeated needle insertions, making the treatment process considerably more comfortable.

IHCI is empanelled under Ayushman Bharat (PM-JAY) and the Mahatma Jyotirao Phule Jan Arogya Yojana (MJPJAY). Maximum financial support to unaffording patients through Bajaj Finserv CSR can also be provided if applicable. Eligible families can access treatment under these schemes. Our medical social worker will assess your family’s eligibility and guide you through the documentation process at your first visit.

Treatment duration varies depending on the type and stage of cancer. Leukemia treatment typically spans two to three years, consisting of an intensive induction phase followed by a consolidation and maintenance phase. Solid tumor treatment generally involves four to eight cycles of chemotherapy over several months, with surgery or radiation as part of the overall plan. Pediatric oncologist will provide a clear, personalized treatment timeline after your child’s diagnosis is confirmed.

Absolutely. IHCI welcomes second opinions and you will never be made to feel judged for seeking one. Please bring all existing investigation reports, scans, and biopsy results. Pediatric oncologist will review everything carefully and provide an independent clinical assessment.

Yes. Families regularly travel to IHCI from Nashik, Solapur, Satara, Sangli, Kolhapur, Aurangabad, Ahmednagar, Beed and rural Maharashtra for specialized pediatric oncology care. We recommend calling ahead at +91-8010856040 so we can prepare for your visit and assist with any logistical questions.

Please bring: any existing blood test reports, imaging scans (X-ray, ultrasound, CT, MRI), referral or discharge letters from previous hospitals if available, your child’s medical history and vaccination records, and a government ID (Aadhaar card or similar) for registration. You do not need a referral to walk in. Our team will guide you through the rest.

Yes. All pediatric oncology patients at IHCI receive dedicated nutritional support through our partnership with the CUDDLES Foundation — an NGO specializing in nutrition for children with cancer. Nutrition plans are tailored to each child based on their diagnosis, age, and current treatment phase.

Regular OPD hours are Monday to Saturday, 9:30 AM to 3:00 PM. For urgent concerns outside these hours, please call +91-7066111430 or +91-8378042020 to reach our team.