Neonatal soft tissue tumours

Abstract

Thirty-five different soft tissue tumours occurring in the first month of life are described and classified into five Clinical Groups. A. Excellent prognosis with no treatment or simple surgical excision. B. Good prognosis. Treatment depends upon anatomical site. C. Good prognosis. Treatment usually surgical but chemotherapy may be indicated in certain situations. D. Intermediate prognosis. Treatment as for older child, usually surgery or chemotherapy. E. Poor prognosis. Treatment palliative or experimental. The relatively good prognosis of tumours in this age group and the importance of avoiding over-treatment are emphasised. Treatment guidelines are given and the value of obtaining tissue for biological studies to improve our understanding of these rare tumours is stressed.