Unique tumors come in small packages: A single centre experience of histopathological spectrum of solid pediatric tumors in North West India

Introduction: Nonhematologic tumors in children differ biologically and histologically from adults in terms of incidence, type of tumor, and tendency to regress spontaneously. The study was aimed to evaluate the pattern, frequency, and histopathological spectrum of solid tumors and to correlate histopathological findings with immunohistochemistry (IHC) wherever feasible. Materials and Methods: This observational study was a retrospective analysis of all solid tumors of children less than 18 years, conducted over a period of 5 years. The specimens were analyzed grossly and microscopically with IHC wherever feasible. All leukemias and myeloproliferative neoplasms/myeloproliferative disorders were excluded from the study. Results: A total of 261 solid tumors were seen in the age of 2 days to 17 years with the median age being 10.41 years. The M: F ratio was 1.6:1. Benign tumors were more common (59.39%), with soft tissue tumors being more frequent. Lymphomas and reticuloendothelial cell tumors constituted the majority (27%) of malignant tumors. Conclusion: This institution-based study depicted the pattern of childhood tumors. As most of the studies have focused on malignant tumors, data on the prevalence of benign pediatric tumors is scarce. Pediatric tumors need to have a dedicated pediatric cancer registry for assessing the magnitude of the problem. This study provides useful insight into the pattern of benign and malignant pediatric tumors in the northwest region of India, which can be utilized in planning health policies. The present study also proves the importance of IHC in making the final diagnosis.