Neonatal oncology

All known tumor types have been reported in the neonate. A numerical listing and discussion are beyond the scope of this review. Wells and Fraumeni give some insight into common congenital malignant neoplasms. Table 2 lists the percentage of neonatal deaths caused by type-specific cancers. Retinoblastoma is probably the most common malignant tumor in the neonate. About seven per cent of these tumors have been apparent at birth. This tumor is not discussed in either article because it is not lethal until muypes in neonatal and pediatric patients. Some congenital malformations in the in the neonate are recognized as being frankly benign (cysts), potentially malignant (teratomas), and frankly malignant (neuroblastoma). A high percentage of teratomas are benign in the newborn period. Leukemia in the newborn appears to be more aggressive yet neuroblastoma has a better prognosis. More studies are needed to help us define why the neonate does better with some tumors and worse with others. Surface cell markers on neonatal leukemia, B and T cell function studies, and other immunologic surveillance studies are needed. Study of neonatal oncology may add to our knowledge of carcinogenesis and oncogenesis in the future.