NEONATAL TUMORS - A 30-YEAR POPULATION-BASED STUDY

Estimates of the incidence and outcome of tumours in neonates are unce rtain and most reports relate to selected experience in single centres . The definition of neonatal tumour is also unclear and histology is n ot 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 peri od from 1960-89. Case note and pathology review identified 170 cases f or analysis, of which 21 were leukaemias, 14 CNS tumours, and 135 soli d tumours of differing types. Fifty-eight percent were diagnosed in th e first month and mature teratoma was the most common diagnosis (29%). Overall incidence increased over the period of the study. Important f amily medical history was identified in 16% of cases and 15% of patien ts had associated congenital abnormalities. Overall survival at 1 year was 55%, with leukaemia having the poorest prognosis. Treatment strat egies must be individualised but many patients may have a better progn osis than expected and would benefit from assessment at a designated p aediatric oncology centre. (C) 1994 Wiley-Liss, Inc.