Rare tumors

Abstract

Rare tumors in children are defined by the absence of management protocols for this age category. Some of these tumors (like carcinoma or melanoma) are common in adults, but behave differently in children. Others tumors occur only in children and manifest a growth pattern that correlates strongly to age (like blastoma or desmoid tumor). Increasingly, genetic characteristics become apparent, that may help in the prognosis and specific management of these tumors. This is particularly relevant to the large group of mesenchymal tumors, including inflammatory myofibroblastic tumors. Treatment with modern drugs, like tyrosine kinase inhibitors, offers perspectives for successful management of these tumors. Continuing research and exchange of results are required to establish the relationship between bench and bedside.