The role of surgery in the treatment of childhood solid tumors

Objective: The objective of this paper is to present the spectrum of surgical procedures that we perform for the purpose of treating oncological patients and the role of surgeons in oncological treatment. Methods: The PubMed medical database was searched with reference to the basic literature in pediatric surgery. Results: By searching and excluding, 18 recent works were considered along with 2 pediatric surgery books on the topic of surgical treatment of solid tumors in childhood. There were no exclusion parameters. Conclusion: The role of surgery in pediatric oncology during the 20th century changed it is position starting from the first and only option for small patients to it is place in the worldwide accepted treatment protocols. The surgical techniques we use in the diagno- sis and treatment of childhood tumors continuously evolve according to a specific type of tumor. Methods that were also previously acceptable are now becoming more and more meticulous to preserve the patient’s quality of life and fertility. Surgical techniques include tumor biopsy methods, surgery of tumor`s primary site (extirpation of tumors, resection of organs or organ systems), staging of tumors according to anatomic extension, operations for disease relapse and metastases, and palliative and supportive pro- cedures. The role of surgery in the prophylaxis of oncological disease is also well defined for various predisposing syndromes and diseases. The most important aspect of surgical oncological treatment is strict adherence to and familiarity with the protocol for a certain type of tumor, as well as a multidisciplinary and individual approach to the pediatric oncologic patient. Key words: CHILD; qUALITy OF LIFE; NEOPLASMS; CLINICAL PROTOCOLS; FERTILITy; SURGEONS; RECURRENCE; BIOPS

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