About Pediatric Solid Tumors

What are pediatric solid tumors? Are there different kinds?

A tumor is a term that describes a group of cells, or mass, that is not normally found in blood cells. A “solid” tumor is a way to describe the abnormal group of cells that make it up. Most cells that form a solid tumor are all the same type, without any cysts, liquids, or other kinds of cells inside of it.  

There are many kinds of solid tumors and they can be grouped into two categories: malignant or benign. If the cells can spread, a tumor is considered cancerous, or malignant, and if the cells can’t spread, those tumors are called “benign.”  

Solid tumors in children are rare, and they can develop in many different parts of the body. Identifying if a child has a solid tumor, if it is malignant or benign, and testing to see what kind of tumor cells are present are all important steps in the diagnostic process.  

What kinds of solid tumors do children develop?

There are many different kinds of solid tumors that children can develop throughout the body. Most pediatric solid tumors are rare, with only a few cases in the U.S. each year. These young patients need a multidisciplinary approach to diagnose and treat them; our expertise is why so many families bring their child to Siteman Kids. 

Siteman Kids’ experts treat every kind of solid tumor, including:

Is a brain tumor a kind of solid tumor? 

Yes, a pediatric brain tumor is considered a kind of solid tumor. But because brain tumors are one of the most common kinds of pediatric cancer, and because treating them requires a neuro-oncologist, they are often discussed as a separate kind of cancer. If your child has a brain tumor diagnosis, and you would like to learn more about the specialized care Siteman Kids offers them, click here.  

What causes solid tumors in children?

Hearing your child has a solid tumor is scary and brings up a lot of questions, including how this happened. Right now, the answer isn’t simple. For the most part, the cause or causes of solid tumors that children develop are unknown, and physician-scientists are researching why they grow. The most common and consistent risk factors are not preventable. These include inheriting certain genes that have a slight defect or having a syndrome such as Li-Fraumeni syndrome. But having an increased genetic risk, or even a syndrome doesn’t mean a child will develop cancer, and if there is a genetic risk, Siteman Kids can support your family through testing and counseling.  

What are the early symptoms of a pediatric tumor?

The symptoms a child with a pediatric solid tumor may experience will depend on many different factors, like the tumor’s location, the type of cells it contains, and its size. The symptoms of Ewing sarcoma may not be the same as the symptoms of a Wilms tumor.

While solid tumor symptoms and their severity can vary, and some need immediate medical care.

Many of the symptoms of pediatric cancers, including solid tumors, are similar to other common illnesses. Not all pediatric solid tumors have symptoms even when they’ve grown very large, so parents should see their pediatrician if they suspect their child is sick, especially if their child has been sick for more than a week. It’s also important to take your child for regular check-ups so the pediatrician can make sure they are growing and developing appropriately.  

How are solid tumors diagnosed in children?

There are several tests a physician can do to determine if your child has a solid tumor. Some of these will be tests your child has done before, like a blood test, and others will be new.  

It is important to note that your child’s well-being is a priority during diagnostic testing. Our care team tries to ease any fears or pain a patient has during testing. If needed, we can use light sedation to limit stress and help children feel more comfortable for more involved procedures.    

Can I ask for a second opinion about my child’s diagnosis? 

You can always request a second opinion when researching how to get your child the best pediatric cancer care. It is your right, and it is a common practice; many programs and hospitals encourage it. Siteman Kids at St. Louis Children’s Hospital makes requesting a second opinion easy. It is important that you feel confident about the care your child is getting and how their treatment is working. If you are interested in a second opinion from Siteman Kids at St. Louis Children’s Hospital, request it here.   

Why do families choose Siteman Kids for treating pediatric solid tumors?

After getting a correct diagnosis, the most important thing a parent or caregiver can do for their child is find the best care possible for them. Siteman Kids at St. Louis Children’s Hospital’s cutting-edge care stands out to families as they research pediatric oncology programs.  

Siteman Kids focuses on not just your child, but on your family as well. Families at Siteman Kids are seen by WashU Medicine physicians who have specialized in pediatric medicine and are working on clinical trials and research studies to unlock new treatments for curing disease. U.S. News and World Report consistently ranks St. Louis Children’s Hospital as one of the top children’s hospitals in the country. We are the only children’s hospital in Missouri that receives funding from the National Cancer Institute for ongoing research. 

Additionally, Siteman Kids’ support services are extensive, providing professionals who care for the well-being of our young patients, their siblings and their caregivers. Psychologists guide children and their families through the many emotions that come from a cancer diagnosis with in-person and virtual visits. Child Life specialists assist in practical ways, educating your child on what procedures will be like, helping them learn coping strategies for their fears and stress and more. Educational liaisons help communicate and coordinate with your school district so there is a plan for continuing to learn, even when being in the classroom isn’t possible. And families receive the comprehensive support of social workers who can guide adults through the many responsibilities and realities related to caretaking while balancing work and parenting.   

Click here to read more about Siteman Kids’ family services and resources.