Pediatric Hematology and Oncology at Wellstar Children's Hospital of Georgia

Our commitment to healing and hope for every child

A cancer or a blood disorder diagnosis for your child can be scary and overwhelming. At Wellstar Children’s Hospital of Georgia, caring for your child isn’t just our job—it’s our mission. We are dedicated to treating and curing pediatric cancers and blood disorders. Our specialists at the Wellstar Pediatric Hematology and Oncology Center are experts in diagnoses and treatment, and we provide the compassion and care your child and family deserve. We believe in patient- and family-centered care, meaning we make you an essential part of your child’s journey toward recovery.

Why choose us?

We give your child the best possible medical care and the support they need. Our top pediatric oncology and hematology specialists care for children of all ages, from infants to young adults.

• Multidisciplinary teams: Our team includes pediatric oncologists, blood disorder specialists (hematologists), surgeons, radiologists, radiation oncologists, specialized nurses, social workers and others. They work together to care for your child.
• Access to clinical trials: We offer access to clinical trials for pediatric patients with cancer, sickle cell disease, hemophilia and other blood disorders. Clinical trials provide opportunities for new and promising therapies not yet available elsewhere.
• Certified pediatric nursing teams: Our nursing teams are certified by the Association of Pediatric Oncology Nurses. This ensures they have the highest level of expertise and training to care for kids with cancer and blood disorders.
• Family-centered care: We believe involving families is important. We provide education, support and resources to empower you throughout your child’s treatment.

Cancer and blood disorders programs and clinics

We offer specialized cancer programs and clinics to meet the unique needs of our pediatric patients:

• Childhood Cancer Survivorship Program Clinic: Long-term monitoring and support for children who have survived cancer. The clinic meets the first and third Tuesday afternoon of each month.
• Inpatient Pediatric Cancer Unit: Staffed with caring and experienced pediatric oncologists, nurses and other specialists who deliver the latest in cancer care
• Outpatient Clinic and Day Infusion Center: Children receive chemotherapy and blood transfusions in a comfortable outpatient setting, reducing the need for hospital stays.
• Hereditary Cancer Clinic: For children with an increased chance of inheriting a genetic factor that puts them at a higher risk of developing cancer
• Pediatric Hemophilia and Thrombophilia Program: We provide specialized care for children with hemophilia and other blood clotting disorders.
• Pediatric Immunotherapy Program: Using innovative treatments for children who have relapsed can help boost the immune system and fight tumors
• Radiation Therapy Center: We utilize advanced technology, including SmartBeam intensity-modulated therapy, and are supported by the area’s largest team of radiation oncologists.
• Sickle Cell Program: Specializing in caring for children with sickle cell disease, thalassemia and other blood disorders

Conditions we treat

Cancer and blood disorders in children often show up differently than in adults. That’s why they need special care. We are with you at every stage, offering hope, healing and support.

Pediatric cancers

Cancer begins when the body’s cells divide uncontrollably. This can lead to the formation of tumors or masses that affect different organs of the body including the blood or lymphatic system.

• Brain and spinal cord tumors: Abnormal cells form in the tissues of the brain or spinal cord. These tumors can be benign or malignant.
• Leukemias: These cancers of the blood cells begin in the blood-forming tissue of the bone marrow. Our team provides specialized care using the latest treatments.
• Lymphomas: These cancers begin in the cells of the lymph nodes, which are part of the immune system. We offer advanced treatments for both Hodgkin and non-Hodgkin lymphomas.
• Solid tumors: These are masses of tissue formed by rapidly dividing cells. They can develop in bones, soft tissues or any organ in the body.
• Hemangiomas and lymphangiomas: These are non-cancerous but abnormal growth of blood and lymphatic vessels respectively. They can affect the skin and internal organs.

Pediatric blood disorders

Blood disorders can affect red blood cells, white blood cells or platelets.

• Hemophilia: This genetic bleeding disorder results in lowered blood clotting factors. Specialists in our Pediatric Hemophilia and Thrombophilia Program care for children with hemophilia and other bleeding disorders.
• Rare blood and clotting disorders: Some children experience excessive clotting due to rare blood disorders. Common conditions include factor V Leiden, prothrombin mutation and protein C deficiency.
• Sickle cell disease: This hereditary condition affects hemoglobin, the molecule in red blood cells that delivers oxygen throughout the body. Children with this disorder have abnormal hemoglobin, which can cause red blood cells to form a sickle shape. Sickle cell anemia is a type of sickle cell disease.
• Disorders of white blood cells, red blood cells and platelets: Including neutropenia and anemia thrombocytopenia

Services and treatments we offer

We offer different tests and procedures to diagnose cancer and blood disorders accurately. We use the most advanced and effective treatments to eliminate cancer quickly and safely.

Diagnostic tests and procedures

• Blood tests: Complete blood count (CBC) tests evaluate your child’s overall health and detect various blood disorders and cancers. These tests are critical for monitoring treatment effects and guiding care decisions.
• Imaging tests: Imaging tests, including PET scans, use low-level radioactive drugs to highlight areas where cells are more active than normal. This can help detect tumors, monitor disease progression and determine if cancer has spread.
• Pediatric sedation services: We offer specialized pediatric sedation services for children who experience anxiety or difficulty during diagnostic procedures. Mild sedation keeps your child calm and still during tests. This helps ensure more accurate results and a more comfortable experience.

Treatments for pediatric cancers

• Chemotherapy: Powerful drugs kill fast-growing cancer cells throughout the body.
• Radiation therapy: We direct high-dose radiation at the tumor to destroy cancer cells and shrink tumors. Our precise techniques ensure the maximum impact on the cancer with the least effect on surrounding healthy tissue.
• Stereotactic radiosurgery: This procedure delivers a single, high-dose radiation treatment to a small, precise area. It targets tumors with precision while minimizing damage to healthy tissue.
• Gamma Knife radiosurgery: We use this highly specialized and delicate procedure to treat complex cancers, such as inoperable brain tumors, with extreme precision. Gamma Knife radiosurgery offers a non-invasive option for targeting complex and sensitive areas.
• Pediatric Cancer Surgery: Your child may need surgery to remove cancer. Our pediatric general and thoracic surgery team collaborates closely with your child’s oncologist and other specialists. When possible, we use minimally invasive surgery to help your child recover faster with fewer complications.

Support services

From diagnosis through recovery, we are here to support your child and family every step of the way. We make sure you never face this journey alone.

• Child Life Specialists: Child Life Specialists help children understand and cope with their treatment. They use therapeutic play and age-appropriate education to reduce fear and anxiety.
• Clinical support: Medical social workers and registered pediatric dietitians help address medical and nutritional needs during treatment.
• Family counseling: These services help navigate the emotional challenges of a serious diagnosis. Our counselors provide a space to discuss your concerns and offer guidance for the entire family.
• Kid-centered camps: We believe in the importance of fun and normalcy, even during treatment. That’s why we offer specialized camps for our pediatric patients:
• DASH Camp is a camp for children with hemophilia. We offer activities and a chance to connect with others who share their experiences.
• Camp Rainbow is a summer camp for children with cancer. We provide a safe space to play, learn and grow.
• Nutritional support: Pediatric dietitians help families create nutrition plans that support good health during treatment. These plans help manage side effects and promote healing.
• Share and Care Weekends: These special weekends are for newly diagnosed cancer patients and their families. They offer support, education and community.