Histopathologic Characteristics of Childhood Malignant Tumours in a Referral Medical Centre in Nigeria

Background: Diseases of children in most developing countries revolve commonly around infectious disorders and malnutrition. However, other conditions including neoplastic diseases may be unassuming challenges to the attending physician. The objective of this study was to determine the epidemiological and histopathological pattern of malignant tumours among children in a northern Nigerian tertiary health institution. Materials and Methods: This is a retrospective study of malignant tumours in children aged fifteen years and below diagnosed over a ten year period (1st January 2011- 31st December 2020). Histopathology laboratory records at the Department of Pathology, Federal Medical Centre, Birnin Kebbi, Kebbi state, were reviewed and all diagnoses of malignant tumours were extracted. The findings were compared with similar studies elsewhere. Results: There were 36 children with confirmed cases of malignant tumours; 22 males and 14 females. The male to female ratio was 1.7:1. The peak age of incidence was 11-15years. The most common childhood malignant tumours were rhabdomyosarcoma, retinoblastoma, osteosarcoma, non-Hodgkin's lymphoma and squamous cell carcinoma. Head and neck region was the commonest area of affectation. Conclusion: The most common malignant tumours in children in our setting are sarcomas and small round blue cell tumours of childhood affecting predominantly older male children with head and neck regional predilections. Malignant tumours in children though not very common, are an important aspect of paediatric disorders to the attending physician due to their high morbidity and mortality. The diagnosis of such can be challenging to the pathologist, especially in resource constrain environments. High index of suspicion is therefore advocated to detect the tumour in its early stage that is associated with low morbidity and mortality.