Current Pediatric Reviews - Volume 11, Issue 3, 2015

Imaging plays a key role in the diagnosis and staging of prenatal and neonatal tumors, and is essential in treatment planning. Though obstetrical ultrasound is the first choice prenatally, fetal MRI continues to play an increasing role as experience with this imaging modality increases. In the neonate, in addition to ultrasound and MRI, CT and nuclear medicine studies can also play an important role. We describe the prenatal a Read More

Progress in the last three decades in prenatal genetic diagnosis and advancement in prenatal imaging and characterization of fetal anomalies have allowed better preparation in family counseling and afforded the opportunity to consider prenatal treatment for congenital defects that would have fatal outcomes, among them the fetal tumors. Advances in fetal therapy and surgical approaches including minimally invasive procedur Read More

The development of tumors within the first month of life is extremely rare and this very young age at presentation should raise concern for an underlying cancer predisposition syndrome. This chapter discusses genetic predisposition to neonatal solid tumors, specifically those involving the eyes, kidneys, liver, adrenal glands and lungs. For each tumor type, we discuss the most common associated predisposition syndromes Read More

Neonatal neuroblastoma accounts for less than 5% of all cases of neuroblastoma but carries a favorable prognosis with most patients being stratified into low- or intermediate-risk groups for recurrence of disease. The epidemiology of neonatal (age less than 30 days) neuroblastoma contrasts greatly with patients older than 30 days. Owing to the unique potential for spontaneous regression of this tumor type, several Read More

Fetal and neonatal renal tumors are rare. Nevertheless, in-depth understanding of their features can lead to early recognition and appropriate treatment, ultimately benefiting outcome. Despite the many obvious similarities, important distinctions exist between these tumors and their counterparts in older children. Likewise, some important distinctions exist between fetal tumors on the one hand and neonatal tumors o Read More

This review is focused on the special issues and challenges confronting physicians and surgeons caring for an unborn child, or a newborn with a liver tumor. Liver tumors at this age are very rare and they make it difficult for pediatric surgeons to gain experience necessary to obtain good results. On the other hand, adult hepatobiliary surgeons faced with a fetus or infant with a liver mass are ill equipped to care for the pati Read More

Excluding hemangiomas, germ cell tumors (GCTs) are the most common neoplasm in neonates, comprising a wide range of benign and malignant tumors with unique histological diversity. Although these tumors are relatively rare, antenatal ultrasonography has increased their detection before birth. Extragonadal GCTs (EGCTs) are the most common GCTs in neonates, with sacrococcygeal teratomas (SCTs) being the most prevale Read More

Neonatal soft-tissue tumors are rare and comprise a heterogeneous group of neoplasms with substantial histological diversity. Treatment options include careful observation, primary surgical resection or medical therapy. Although histologically benign, some neoplasms do exhibit an aggressive local behavior. The most common soft-tissue sarcomas in this age group include rhabdomyosarcoma, fibrosarcoma, malignant rhabdoid Read More

Neonatal vascular tumours present particular difficulties in their diagnosis and treatment. The special behaviour of neonatal hemangioma and the aggressive but benign nature of kaposiform hemangioendothelioma provide examples of a modern need for a conservative approach. Recent advances in their pharmacological management have dramatically changed the therapeutical scope of this group of tumors with surger Read More