Pediatric Tumor Surgery Adana

Pediatric Tumor Surgery in Adana: Surgical Treatment in Child Cancers

Surgical intervention in childhood cancers plays a pivotal role in establishing a precise diagnosis through biopsy, achieving complete resection of the mass, and boosting the success of subsequent oncological therapies.

Childhood cancers and benign masses have entirely different biological pathways compared to adult cancers. In children, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and surgical operations form a unified therapeutic cycle. In this critical journey, seeking care from a team experienced in **pediatric tumor surgery in Adana** where pediatric surgeons, pediatric oncologists, and radiologists collaborate is key to success.

Common Solid Tumors in Children

Major solid tumors (excluding blood and bone marrow cancers) seen during childhood include:

Neuroblastoma

This tumor originates from the adrenal glands or the sympathetic nervous chain along the spine. It is one of the most common intra-abdominal solid tumors of childhood and can manifest as abdominal swelling, bone pain, and fatigue.

Wilms Tumor (Nephroblastoma)

This is the most common kidney cancer in children. It is usually noticed when a painless mass is felt in the abdomen, when blood appears in the urine, or due to high blood pressure. Surgical removal of the kidney at an early stage combined with chemotherapy yields cure rates exceeding 90%.

Sarcomas and Soft Tissue Tumors

These are malignant tumors like rhabdomyosarcoma originating from muscle or connective tissues. They can develop anywhere in the body (head/neck, extremities, or abdomen) and require resection with negative margins.

Teratomas and Germ Cell Tumors

These masses, which can be present from birth, occur at the coccyx region (sacrococcygeal teratoma) or in ovaries/testes. The vast majority heal completely after surgical removal.

The Role of Surgery in Pediatric Oncology

In pediatric oncological surgery, surgical procedures are not limited to removing the mass. Interventions are crucial in these steps:

1. **Diagnostic Biopsy:** Obtaining a sample via needle or open surgery to confirm the cancer type.
2. **Chemotherapy Port Insertion:** Placing a venous access port in the chest wall to allow safe drug delivery.
3. **Tumor Resection:** Complete surgical removal of the tumor with clean margins, avoiding damage to adjacent vital organs/vessels.
4. **Metastasis Surgery:** Resection of secondary masses in distant organs such as lungs or liver.

Importance of a Multidisciplinary Approach

Teamwork is the most important factor in pediatric tumor surgery. The decision to shrink the tumor with chemotherapy before surgery, surgical removal, and post-operative pathology review must be decided jointly by the pediatric oncologist, pediatric surgeon, pediatric radiologist, and pathologist.

Pediatric Oncological Surgery in Adana

**Assoc. Prof. İlknur Banlı Cesur** performs complex pediatric tumor surgery operations at Special Adana Ortadoğu Hospital. The hospital's neonatal ICU, pediatric ICU, advanced operating theater equipment, and experienced pediatric anesthesia team provide the safest surgical environment.

Conclusion

Childhood cancers have very high cure rates when diagnosed early and treated according to oncological surgical principles. If your child has complaints like persistent abdominal swelling, weight loss, fatigue, or a palpable lump, consulting a pediatric surgeon immediately is vital.

This informational guide has been written by Pediatric Surgery Specialist Assoc. Prof. İlknur Banlı Cesur to inform families with medical accuracy.