A 10-year retrospective review of paediatric surgical oncology at Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital

Abstract

Background: There are few modifiable risk factors for solid tumours (STs) in children, except in the presence of a predisposing condition, and prevention is usually not possible; therefore, early diagnosis and prompt treatment are important in improving survival. Reporting the incidence, demographic data, presentation and outcomes of these STs improves awareness and allocation of resources for their management. There is a paucity of literature on the incidence, prevalence, demographics and treatment of paediatric STs in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) including South Africa.

Aim: The aim of this study was to describe the demographics and spectrum of childhood STs at Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital (CHBAH).

Setting: The study was conducted at the Departments of Paediatric Surgery and Oncology at CHBAH.

Methods: A retrospective review of the records of children below 16 years of age with STs seen at CHBAH and managed by paediatric surgeons and oncologists from 01 January 2007 to 31 December 2016 was undertaken. The central nervous system, eye, bone and exclusively medically managed tumours were excluded.

Results: The solid tumours accounted for 33% of all paediatric oncology cases. The three most common malignant tumours were: Wilms’ tumour (32.7%), rhabdomyosarcoma (18.2%) and neuroblastoma (13.6%). Solid tumours were most common in the 1 to 5-year age group and most presented with advanced disease. An average of 30 oncological surgeries were performed per year.

Conclusion: The solid tumours studied represented a third of all oncology cases encountered in children; therefore, early diagnosis, early referral and prompt management of STs could improve childhood cancer survival.