[Renal cell carcinomas in childhood]

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Oncology
• Urologic Oncology

Background:

• Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is a rare malignancy in children.
• It must be considered in the differential diagnosis of pediatric renal masses.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze the incidence, mortality, clinical presentation, diagnostics, histology, therapy, and outcomes of childhood renal cell carcinoma.
• To highlight the challenges in managing this rare pediatric cancer.

Main Methods:

• Prospective evaluation of 8 pediatric patients with renal cell carcinoma.
• Comprehensive review of current literature on pediatric RCC.

Main Results:

• Average follow-up was 27 months; no preoperative metastases were detected.
• Papillary renal cell carcinoma was the most common histological subtype.
• Tumor stage and lymph node status were identified as critical prognostic indicators.

Conclusions:

• Childhood RCC requires specialized, interdisciplinary management; typical adult symptoms are often absent.
• Partial nephrectomy is the preferred surgical approach when feasible.
• Further multicenter studies are essential to explore adjuvant therapies and understand the disease's biology and progression in advanced stages.