The utility of core-needle tumor biopsy for pediatric patients.

BACKGROUND

Core-needle biopsy (CNB) is used less frequently for the diagnosis of tumors in pediatric patients. In this report, the utility and safety of CNB for pediatric patients are described.

METHODS

The medical records of patients who underwent CNB at the Department of Pediatric Surgery, Kyushu University Hospital from April 2020 to November 2021 were retrospectively reviewed. A 14 G or 16 G BARDMISSION Disposable Needle Instrument was used. For the diagnosis of neuroblastoma, a 14 G needle was selected; for the diagnosis of other tumors a 16 G needle was selected.

RESULTS

During the above period 17 CNBs were performed in 17 patients, and the median patient age was 8 years (range, 15 days-19 years). The pathological diagnoses of the tumors were as follows: neuroblastoma, n = 6; lymphoma, n = 3; hepatoblastoma, n = 2; and others, n = 6. The quantity and quality of all tumor samples obtained by CNB was sufficient to make a diagnosis. The postoperative course after CNB was uneventful in most cases, with the exception of one case of hepatoblastoma (pseudoaneurysm).

CONCLUSIONS

Core-needle biopsy is useful for pediatric patients. Sufficient tumor specimens were able to be obtained in all cases, irrespective of the type of tumor, and an accurate diagnosis could be made.