Tumors Common in Children—December 26, 1999

Tumors Common in Children—December 26, 1999

Tumors commonly seen in children include teratoma, nephroblastoma, neuroblastoma, and retinoblastoma. Among them, teratomas are mostly benign, while the other three are malignant.

1. Teratoma: Common in infants and young children, with a male-to-female ratio of 1:2. The most common sites are the lumbosacral region, accounting for nearly half of all cases; testes and ovaries account for 30%; the neck and other areas together account for about 20%. The vast majority are benign, though a small portion may become malignant, but with relatively high differentiation. Treatment should involve surgical removal as early as possible; delay is unacceptable.

2. Nephroblastoma: Common in infants and young children, with no gender difference. The most common site is the retroperitoneum and upper abdomen. The vast majority are malignant, but with relatively high differentiation. Treatment involves surgery plus chemotherapy.

3. Neuroblastoma: Any area with nerve tissue distribution can be affected, and most cases are malignant. Treatment involves surgery plus chemotherapy.

4. Retinoblastoma: Accounts for 90% of pediatric ophthalmic tumors, with a high degree of malignancy. 80% of cases are unilateral, and 20% are bilateral. It is common in children under 3 years old, and virtually never seen in children over 7 years old.