DR.SATHYA. P,DR.LAKSHMI PRIYA,DR. C. SEETHALAKSHMI
DOI: https://doi.org/Background
Leading cause of death in children below 15 years of age worldwide is cancer. This study is aimed to comprehend the histopathological spectrum of childhood tumors in a tertiary care centre and to determine the incidence and histopathological variants of different childhood tumors.
Methods
This is a retrospective, observational study conducted on all tumors diagnosed histopathologically in children <15 years of age over a period of 6-year from January 2015 to December 2020 in the Department of Pathology, Saveetha medical college and hospital. The records were retrieved and analyzed.
Results
Of the total 40960 specimens received during the study period, only 0.09%(39) of tumors were seen under the age of 15 years with 51%(20) being boys and 49%(19) girls. Cases were predominantly seen 64% (25) in 11-15 year age group. Malignant tumors comprised 53.8% (21) of the total while the benign ones accounted for 46.1% (18). Among the benign tumors, bone tumors and vascular tumors accounted for the majority with 10% (4) each, while in malignant category CNS tumors were more common with 17%(7). The youngest case reported was immature teratoma from a 15day old baby. We encountered a rare case of Cystic nephroma in a 14year girl.
Conclusion
Malignant tumors in infancy and childhood are rare as compared to adults. Appropriate histopathological diagnosis is necessary to predict prognosis and plan therapy.
