Vaginal and cervical tumors in children and adolescents: a SEER population-based study

Vaginal and cervical tumors in children and adolescents are rare and poorly understood. This study aims to provide a comprehensive analysis of incidence, treatment modalities, and survival outcomes of vaginal and cervical tumors in this age group using the SEER database.

Data were retrieved from the SEER database (2000-2019) for patients aged 0-18 years diagnosed with primary vaginal and cervical tumors. Demographics, tumor characteristics, treatment modalities, and survival outcomes were analyzed. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis was used to estimate overall survival (OS). To examine the impact of each factor on overall survival, a multivariate Cox proportional hazards model was created. Based on the results of the Cox regression model, a nomogram was constructed.

Between 2000 and 2019, 164 pediatric and adolescent patients with vaginal and cervical tumors were analyzed, with a median age of 14 years (range 0-18 years). Embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma (40.9%) being the most common subtype. The overall survival rates were 97.5% at 1 year, 91.1% at 3-year, and 88.9% at 5-year. Younger patients (0-14 years) had significantly better prognoses than older ones (15-18 years). Additionally, survival outcomes differed by histological subtype, with YSTs showing the highest survival rate (100%) and clear cell adenocarcinoma exhibiting the poorest prognosis. Distant metastases were associated with worse outcomes. Age and SEER stage were identified as independent predictors of survival, with a nomogram constructed to further predict outcomes.

Vaginal and cervical tumors in children and adolescents have distinct demographic and clinical patterns. Younger age, localized disease, and specific histological subtypes, such as YSTs, are associated with favorable outcomes. Early diagnosis and individualized multimodal treatment are crucial for improving outcomes.