WORLD JOURNAL OF ADVANCE
HEALTHCARE RESEARCH

Okoro Philemon E.*, Gbobo Isesoma and Obiora Christopher

ABSTRACT

Aim: To report our experience of chest wall tumours in children in our region and to highlight the peculiar features and management outcome. Settings and Design: This is a 5 year retrospective study of consecutive cases of chest wall tumours in children 15 years and below seen in our service between August 2013 and July 2018. Patients and Methods: We reviewed the medical records of patients who met our inclusion criteria. Data retrieved included: age, gender, duration before presentation, presentation feature, previous interventions, treatment offered, histology, follow-up period, outcome. Data was subjected to simple statistical analysis. Results: A total of 41 children with chest wall tumours were seen during the period under review but 37 had adequate records to be included in the review. Histological reports showed benign neoplasm in 16 cases and malignancy in 21 cases. There were 6 mortalities and 5 recurrences. Conclusion: Chest wall tumours are among the surgical problems encountered in children in our region. These tumours are often presented late and a significant percentage malignant. Surgical removal is imperative but can pose technical challenges. There is need to enlighten the public to encourage early presentation and treatment.

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