Taking Charge of Your Health: A Guide to Medical Follow-up for Young Adults Who Had Cancer in Childhood

SURGERY

Organs may be partially or totally removed to treat cancer. Other surgical procedures for the treatment of osteosarcoma involving a limb may be part of cancer treatment.

• Children treated for Wilms' tumor usually have had either one or portions of both kidneys removed. A blood test called the serum chemistry profile can be done to make sure the remaining kidney is functioning normally.
  
• If you have had one kidney removed, it is very important to remember to protect the remaining kidney by using appropriate padding when engaging in contact sports or avoiding them entirely.
  
• Patients who have had their spleen removed should discuss the need for antibiotics with their doctor.
  
• Patients with artificial limbs or orthopedic conditions such as scoliosis (curvature of the spine) may need to see an orthopedic specialist. The limb should be examined regularly. If an abnormality is noticed, it should be brought to the attention of your physician.