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Intraspinal tumours in children--clinical presentation
S Y Shariff1, P Brennan, D Allcutt
1Department of Neurosurgery, Beaumont Hospital, Dublin.
Irish Medical Journal
|February 26, 1999
Summary
Pediatric spinal tumors are rare, but this study of 19 children treated between 1992-1996 found varied outcomes after surgery and adjuvant therapies. Long-term follow-up showed some patients disease-free, while others succumbed to extensive tumors.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Oncology
- Neurosurgery
- Spinal Cord Tumors
Background:
- Intraspinal tumors in children are uncommon, with a reported spinal to intracranial tumor ratio of 1:10.
- This study reviews a single institution's experience with pediatric spinal tumors from 1992 to 1996.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the clinical presentation, management, and outcomes of pediatric spinal tumors.
- To evaluate surgical approaches and adjuvant therapies for these rare neoplasms.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of 19 pediatric patients diagnosed with spinal tumors between 1992 and 1996.
- Surgical interventions included laminectomy with total excision, partial excision, or biopsy.
- Patients received adjuvant radiotherapy or chemotherapy as indicated.
Main Results:
- The cohort included 12 males and 7 females with a mean age of 7.8 years.
- Presenting symptoms included pain, limb weakness, ataxia, sensory disturbance, and spinal deformities, with a mean duration of 10 months.
- Outcomes varied, with 4 patients disease-free and 7 symptom-free at a mean 2-year follow-up; 4 patients with extensive tumors died.
Conclusions:
- Pediatric spinal tumors encompass diverse histologies and locations, requiring tailored surgical and oncological management.
- Despite surgical interventions and adjuvant therapies, prognosis is influenced by tumor extent and type.
- Further research is needed to optimize treatment strategies for these rare pediatric malignancies.