What is the most common intra-abdominal solid tumor in children?

From the Guidelines

The most common intra-abdominal solid tumor in children is neuroblastoma (option b). Neuroblastoma accounts for approximately 8-10% of all childhood cancers and is the most frequently diagnosed intra-abdominal solid tumor in the pediatric population, as supported by the recent guidelines from the National Comprehensive Cancer Network 1. This tumor originates from primitive neural crest cells of the sympathetic nervous system, most commonly arising from the adrenal medulla but can also develop anywhere along the sympathetic chain. Neuroblastoma typically presents in young children, with about 90% of cases diagnosed before age 5. It has a variable clinical presentation depending on the primary tumor location and extent of metastasis, ranging from asymptomatic masses found incidentally to symptoms like abdominal distension, pain, or paraneoplastic syndromes. Some key characteristics of neuroblastoma include:

• It is the most common extracranial solid tumor diagnosed in children, as stated in the NCCN Guidelines for Neuroblastoma 1
• The evidence-based and consensus recommendations contained in the NCCN Guidelines are intended to guide clinicians in selecting the most appropriate treatments for their patients with this clinically heterogeneous disease 1
• While nephroblastoma (Wilms tumor) is also common, it specifically affects the kidneys rather than having the broader distribution pattern of neuroblastoma
• Rhabdomyosarcoma and fibrosarcoma are less common intra-abdominal tumors in children compared to neuroblastoma. The recent study published in the Journal of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network 1 provides the most up-to-date information on neuroblastoma, making it a crucial resource for clinicians treating this condition.

From the Research

Intra-Abdominal Solid Tumors in Children

The most common intra-abdominal solid tumor in children can be identified based on the provided evidence.

• Neuroblastoma is the most common pediatric abdominal solid tumor, as stated in the study 2.
• It accounts for ~11% of all pediatric cancers and 15% of all pediatric cancer deaths, with a peak age of onset of 22 months 2.
• Other common pediatric solid tumors of the abdomen include Wilms tumor and hepatoblastoma, as mentioned in the study 3.
• However, based on the information provided, neuroblastoma is specifically highlighted as the most common intra-abdominal solid tumor in children.

Comparison of Options

Comparing the given options:

• (a) Nephroblastoma: also known as Wilms tumor, is a common pediatric renal tumor, but not specified as the most common intra-abdominal solid tumor in the provided evidence.
• (b) Neuroblastoma: identified as the most common pediatric abdominal solid tumor in the study 2.
• (c) Rhabdomyosarcoma: not mentioned as the most common intra-abdominal solid tumor in the provided evidence.
• (d) Fibrosarcoma: not mentioned as the most common intra-abdominal solid tumor in the provided evidence.

Relevant Studies

Relevant studies that support the answer include:

• 2, which describes neuroblastoma as the most common pediatric abdominal solid tumor.
• 3, which lists neuroblastoma as one of the three most common pediatric solid tumors of the abdomen, along with Wilms tumor and hepatoblastoma.
• Other studies, such as 4, 5, and 6, provide additional information on neuroblastoma, but do not contradict the finding that it is the most common intra-abdominal solid tumor in children.