Pediatric pulmonary tumors: primary and metastatic

Semin Pediatr Surg. 2008 Feb;17(1):17-29. doi: 10.1053/j.sempedsurg.2007.10.004.

Abstract

Pediatric pulmonary tumors are rare. There is often a significant delay in diagnosis of pulmonary tumors secondary to their rarity and nonspecific presenting physiologic and radiographic findings. A high index of suspicion in pediatric patients with recurrent or persistent pulmonary symptoms is of paramount importance in diagnosing pulmonary tumors at an early stage. Malignant pulmonary tumors are more frequently diagnosed than benign lesions, with metastatic cancers being the most common. Complete surgical resection remains the basis of therapy for primary lesions, and its role in secondary cancers is becoming more established. Adjuvant therapies are frequently employed depending on the precise tumor involved. Mortality rates vary greatly depending on tumor location, stage, and type.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Child
  • Humans
  • Lung Neoplasms / pathology*
  • Lung Neoplasms / secondary*
  • Lung Neoplasms / therapy
  • Prognosis