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Self-Limiting Sternal Tumour of Childhood: Recognition Prevents Unnecessary Diagnostics and Treatment
Thomas Mol1,2, Astrid Leus3, Nathan Demeyere4
1Department of Pediatrics, ZAS Queen Paola Children's Hospital, Antwerp, Belgium.
Insights
Self-limiting sternal tumour of childhood (SELSTOC) is a rare, benign condition in young children. Increased physician awareness is crucial for avoiding unnecessary tests, as these masses resolve on their own.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Oncology
- Radiology
- Pathology
Background:
- Self-limiting sternal tumour of childhood (SELSTOC) is a rare, benign pediatric neoplasm.
- Characterized by rapid pre- or parasternal mass growth in children under two years.
- Often mistaken for more serious conditions, leading to potential overtreatment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To enhance physician awareness of SELSTOC.
- To summarize the clinical features, diagnostic findings, and outcomes of SELSTOC.
- To advocate for conservative management due to its benign, self-resolving nature.
Main Methods:
- Comprehensive literature search of PubMed and Google Scholar up to July 2024.
- Inclusion of three new cases from Belgian pediatric hospitals.
- Analysis of demographic, clinical, diagnostic, treatment, and outcome data.
Main Results:
- Forty-one children (3 new cases) were analyzed; mean age 14 months, male predominance.
- Common symptoms included pain (55%) and fever (33%).
- Ultrasound typically revealed a hypoechoic, heterogeneous, avascular mass with a 'dumbbell' shape; all lesions resolved spontaneously.
Conclusions:
- SELSTOC is a benign, self-limiting condition.
- Increased clinical awareness is vital to prevent unnecessary investigations and treatments.
- Early recognition facilitates appropriate, conservative management.
Aim:
Self-limiting sternal tumour of childhood (SELSTOC) is a rare, benign tumour, characterised by a rapidly growing pre- or parasternal mass in children up to 2 years of age. This review aimed to improve awareness among physicians and summarise the clinical features and outcomes of SELSTOC.
Methods:
We conducted PubMed and Google Scholar searches to collect data on children diagnosed with SELSTOC from the earliest records until July 2024. Three new cases from two Belgian paediatric hospitals (ZAS Queen Paola Children's Hospital and University Hospital Brussels) were included. Data on demographics, clinical presentation, diagnostics, treatment and outcomes were analysed.
Results:
Forty-one children were included (3 new cases) with a mean age of 14.0 ± 8.3 months and with a male predominance (25 males, 16 females). Fever occurred in 33% (13/39), pain or tenderness in 55% (21/38), discolouration in 33% (11/33) and warmth in 4% (1/23). Ultrasound was used in 90% (37/41), typically showing a hypoechoic, heterogeneous, avascular mass with pre-, para- and retrosternal components ('dumbbell' shape). All lesions resolved spontaneously within weeks to months.
Conclusion:
Greater clinical awareness of SELSTOC is essential to prevent unnecessary investigations and treatments, given its benign, self-limiting course.
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