Primary malignant tumors of the stomach in children

Primary malignant tumors of the stomach are rare in children. During the years 1952--1977, eight children were seen at Childrens Hospital of Los Angeles with primary malignant tumors of the stomach. The patients were between the ages of 20 mo and 17 hr and included 5 males and 3 females. The series consisted of 3 malignant lymphomas, 2 adenocarcinomas, 2 leiomyosarcomas, and 1 rhabdomyosarcoma of the stomach. Three patients are living and five are dead. Clinical histories, treatment and pathologic findings are described along with a review of the literature and recommendations for the management of primary gastric malignancies in children.