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Primary spinal tumors in childhood: A single institution 15 year experience
Po-Cheng Hung1, Chieh-Tsai Wu2, Tang-Her Jaing3
1Department of Pediatrics, Division of Neurology, Chang Gung Children's Hospital, Taoyuan, Taiwan.
Insights
Pediatric primary spinal tumors (PST) are rare, but surgical resection offers good outcomes. This study shows that complete tumor removal in children is achievable with acceptable risks and satisfactory long-term results.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Neurosurgery
- Oncology
- Spinal Surgery
Background:
- Pediatric primary spinal tumors (PST) are uncommon, with limited data on incidence and outcomes.
- Understanding PST is crucial for improving pediatric cancer care.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the incidence, treatment, and outcomes of pediatric primary spinal tumors.
- To evaluate the safety and efficacy of surgical resection for PST in children.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of 22 pediatric patients (<18 years) with PST treated between 1997 and 2011.
- Pre-operative MRI evaluation and surgical intervention for all patients.
- Assessment of tumor resection extent via surgical reports and post-operative MRI.
Main Results:
- 10 intramedullary and 12 intradural extramedullary tumors were identified.
- 15 patients achieved gross total tumor resection; 7 received post-operative radiotherapy.
- 14 patients (64%) survived without tumor progression.
Conclusions:
- Pediatric primary spinal tumors represent a diverse group of pathologies.
- Complete surgical resection of pediatric PST can be performed with acceptable risk.
- Satisfactory long-term results are achievable for pediatric PST following total resection.
Background:
Pediatric primary spinal tumors (PST) are fairly uncommon, with little available data regarding incidence and outcomes.
Materials And Methods:
We conducted a retrospective review of the 22 consecutive patients less than 18 years old diagnosed with PST between March 1997 and May 2011 and treated at Chang Gung Children Hospital. All patients had undergone magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for pre-operative evaluation and operations for PST. The extent of tumor removal was assessed by surgical report by the neurosurgeon or by post-operative MRI if available.
Results:
Ten of them had intramedullary tumors and 12 had intradural extramedullary tumors. All patients were treated with surgery to the primary site. A total of 15 patients underwent gross total tumor resection and seven patients received post-operative radiotherapy. Five patients received adjuvant chemotherapy for their primary tumor. Fourteen patients (64%) survived from study entry without tumor progression.
Conclusions:
PST encompassed a diverse group of pathologic entities that differ markedly based on the location and age of the children. Total resection of pediatric PST in children could be performed with acceptable risk and satisfactory long-term results.
