Cancer is an uncontrolled and abnormal cell growth that can spread to other parts of the body, and disrupt normal bodily functions. Childhood cancers grow more rapidly than adult cancers because the cancer tissues grow together with the fast-growing tissues of the child. What happens when a child is diagnosed with Cancer?

Pathology

Accurate and comprehensive pathological examination of the initial biopsy is fundamental to effective treatment in cancer. In the management algorithm, the histopathology report is paramount. It diagnoses and categorises tumours, provides information on the cell of origin and invaluable insight into prognosis. This aids the oncologist in the planning of pertinent clinical tests and treatment modality for the individual patient.

A wrong diagnosis or misinformation may potentially result in incorrect therapy, mutilation or even death of the patient. In addition, the report establishes criteria for eligibility for clinical trials, gives information for clinical databases to be used in clinical and basic research and helps provide quality assurance.