Neonatal tumours: a thirty-year population-based study

Estimates of the incidence and outcome of tumours in neonates are uncertain and most reports relate to selected experience in single centres. The definition of neonatal tumour is also unclear and histology is not always an accurate predictor of outcome. This report documents the incidence, clinical features, and outcome of neonatal tumours (birth-3 months) in a population-based paediatric register over a 30-year period from 1960-89. Case note and pathology review identified 170 cases for analysis, of which 21 were leukaemias, 14 CNS tumours, and 135 solid tumours of differing types. Fifty-eight percent were diagnosed in the first month and mature teratoma was the most common diagnosis (29%). Overall incidence increased over the period of the study. Important family medical history was identified in 16% of cases and 15% of patients had associated congenital abnormalities. Overall survival at 1 year was 55%, with leukaemia having the poorest prognosis. Treatment strategies must be individualised but many patients may have a better prognosis than expected and would benefit from assessment at a designated paediatric oncology centre.