Outcomes in Pediatric Appendiceal Tumors: A National Cancer Database Analysis

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Pediatric Surgery
• Epidemiology

Background:

• Appendiceal neoplasms in pediatric patients are rare, with an incidence of 0.12% from 2004-2023.
• These tumors are frequently discovered incidentally during appendectomy.

Purpose of the Study:

• To characterize short-term clinical outcomes in pediatric patients diagnosed with appendiceal neoplasms.
• To analyze demographic, tumor, and outcome characteristics based on AJCC stage, histology, and surgical approach.

Main Methods:

• Utilized the National Cancer Database to identify pediatric patients (0-17 years) with appendiceal tumors (2004-2023).
• Analyzed demographic data, tumor characteristics, and short-term clinical outcomes.
• Performed subgroup analysis by AJCC stage, histology, and surgical approach using univariate statistics.

Main Results:

• Pediatric appendiceal tumors are more common in females, White, non-Hispanic individuals with private insurance and higher household incomes.
• Neuroendocrine tumors, well-differentiated, constitute the majority of cases.
• Appendectomy and hemicolectomy were the most common surgical procedures; advanced stage and more invasive surgery correlated with longer hospital stays but low mortality.

Conclusions:

• Pediatric appendiceal tumors are primarily early-stage neuroendocrine neoplasms.
• Advanced stage, non-neuroendocrine histology, and extensive surgery are linked to prolonged hospital stays and higher readmission rates, without increasing mortality risk.
• Further research is required to refine management and follow-up protocols for pediatric appendiceal neoplasms.