Related Experiment Videos
Fibrous tissue tumours
Insights
Fibrous tissue tumors in children are often diagnosed early, with a high recurrence rate of 48% after surgical removal. Complete excision was achieved in most cases, but vigilance for recurrence is crucial.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Oncology
- Surgical Pathology
Background:
- This study reviews 33 pediatric cases of fibrous tissue tumors treated between 1970 and 1984.
- Fibrous tissue tumors can present from birth, with a significant portion diagnosed within the first year of life.
Observation:
- Lesions were distributed across extremities, head and neck, trunk, and thoracic/abdominal cavities.
- Seven tumors were histologically classified as sarcomas, indicating malignant potential.
- Complete surgical excision was feasible in 28 patients, with some receiving neoadjuvant therapy.
Findings:
- Two patient deaths occurred, one associated with a pelvic tumor and another with a cardiac fibroma.
- Recurrence was observed in 14 patients (48%), with nine experiencing multiple recurrences.
- The average time to recurrence was 13.8 months post-treatment.
Implications:
- Early diagnosis and complete surgical resection are vital for managing pediatric fibrous tissue tumors.
- The high recurrence rate necessitates long-term patient follow-up and monitoring.
- Understanding tumor distribution and potential for malignancy aids in treatment planning and prognosis.
Abstract:
Thirty-three patients, ranging in age from newborn to 12 years, with fibrous tissue tumours, were treated at the Hospital for Sick Children, Great Ormond Street, London, from 1970 to 1984. Seven infants presented with tumours at birth. In 42% of cases, the tumour was noted during the 1st year of life. The anatomical distribution of the lesions was: upper extremity 6, lower extremity 5, head and neck 10, trunk 6, thoracic cavity 2 (heart 1), abdominal cavity 4 (pelvis, bladder, small bowel mesentery, and canal). Three patients had multiple tumours. Seven of the tumours were classified as sarcomas. Complete excision was possible in 28 patients, following initial biopsy in six patients of whom three were treated preoperatively with radiotherapy and/or chemotherapy. There were two deaths, one in an infant with a huge resectable pelvic tumour and the other in a child with cardiac fibroma. Recurrences occurred in 14 patients (48%), in nine of whom the recurrences were multiple. The mean time interval to recurrence was 13.8 months.