Document Type : Original Article
Authors
1
Department of Pathology, Shahid Sadoughi Hospital, School of Medicine, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran
2
School of Medicine, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran
Abstract
Background: Pediatric retroperitoneal lesions are rare and heterogeneous, often presenting with nonspecific symptoms that complicate early diagnosis. Understanding their clinical and pathological characteristics is essential for improving management and outcomes. This study evaluated the clinical, pathological, and survival features of pediatric retroperitoneal lesions.
Methods: In this retrospective cross-sectional study, 14 patients younger than 18 years with histologically confirmed retroperitoneal lesions, treated at Shahid Sadoughi Hospital, Yazd, Iran, between 2016 and 2021, were evaluated. Data on demographics, clinical presentation, tumor origin, pathological diagnosis, metastasis, recurrence, and survival were collected. Statistical analyses included descriptive statistics, Chi-square tests, and Kaplan–Meier survival analysis.
Results: The mean age was 13.9 ± 3.38 years, with equal sex distribution. Secondary tumors were the most common lesions (64.3%), followed by primary malignant (21.4%) and primary benign tumors (14.3%). The retroperitoneum was the most frequent site of origin (50%). Common presentations included nausea and vomiting (64.3%), abdominal pain (50%), and urinary symptoms (50%). Metastasis was observed in 71.4% of patients, and recurrence in 21.4%. Five-year survival rates were 100% for primary benign tumors, 73.9% for primary malignant tumors, and 67.5% for secondary tumors. Recurrence was significantly associated with poorer survival (p = 0.027).
Conclusions: In this small cohort, pediatric retroperitoneal lesions were predominantly secondary tumors, while lymphoma was the most common primary malignancy. Their nonspecific presentation highlights the importance of imaging and pathological evaluation. Tumor recurrence was associated with reduced survival, suggesting prognostic significance and emphasizing the need for long-term follow-up. These findings are preliminary and require validation in larger studies.
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