Pediatric Cancer Surgery

The pediatric surgeons at Weill Cornell Medicine, in partnership with NewYork-Presbyterian, are renowned experts in pediatric cancer. Their skill and expertise is only paralleled by their dedication and compassion.

The approach to every patient is individualized depending on the type of tumor. Every child receives a unique treatment plan. The patient's multidisciplinary coordinated care team follows the patient from diagnosis through treatment and follow-up. Each child at every stage of treatment receives a personalized approach to guarantee the best outcomes.

We offer the most current treatments in cancer for infants, children and adolescents. These include the latest advances in surgery, radiation, chemotherapy and immunotherapy treatments. The goal is to provide the most effective care while minimizing side effects and promoting comfort .

We are members of the Childrens' Oncology Group (COG). Our participation with COG allows patient access to the latest cancer treatments and the most innovative targeted therapies for our patients' respective tumors.

Our surgeons, medical oncologists, nurses, nutritionists, physical therapists, child life specialists, social workers and chaplains provide strength and support for your child and family during these difficult times.

Common Pediatric Tumors We Treat

●      Wilms tumor: This is the most common kidney tumor in children. The tumor may be found on a routineon routine exam when a doctor or parent feels a hard lump in the child's belly. Other symptoms may include abdominal pain, blood in the urine or high blood pressure. Treatment involves removing the affected kidney. Depending on the stage, chemotherapy and radiation may be beneficial.

●      Neuroblastoma: This is a rare cancer that develops in a part of the peripheral nervous system called the sympathetic nervous system. Since some of the sympathetic nervous system cells are located in the adrenal glands, which sit above the kidneys, neuroblastoma often starts growing there. Tumors can occur in the belly, neck, chest, pelvis or adrenal glands. Treatment involves surgery, chemotherapy and radiation. Antibody therapies, which target and kill cancer cells, may also be used in selected cases.

●      Teratoma and germ cell tumors: Teratomas are tumors that may contain different types of tissue such as bone, teeth, muscle and hair. They are mostly found in the ovaries, testicles and tailbone, but sometimes they can grow in the nervous system and abdomen or chest. A teratoma may be cancerous or benign. Treatment for benign lesions involves surgical resection (removal). Treatment for malignant teratomas and germ cell tumors requires surgery and chemotherapy.

●      Rhabdomyosarcoma: This is a tumor that typically begins in the muscle cells. The most common sites are the head, neck, bladder, vagina, arms, legs and abdomen. Because rhabdomyosarcoma can occur anywhere in the body, symptoms may vary based on size and location. Treatment generally involves a combination of surgery to remove the tumor, chemotherapy to destroy the cancer cells and radiation to kill the tumor cells.

●      Hepatoblastoma: This is a rare tumor that originates in cells in the liver. It is the most common type of liver tumor in children. Children who are born prematurely or have certain genetic conditions are at increased risk of developing hepatoblastoma. Symptoms can include a lump, a swollen abdomen, weight loss, feeling tired or jaundice. Treatment usually involves removal of the affected lobe with the tumor and chemotherapy. Depending on the stage, chemotherapy may be given before or after surgery. Occasionally, patients with extensive tumors may need liver transplantation.

●      Soft tissue sarcoma: These are malignant tumors that begin in soft tissue, such as muscle, fibrous tissue, tendons, fat, nerve tissue, joint tissue and blood vessels. The tumors are rare and can form anywhere in the body. Treatment involves surgery to remove the tumor in conjunction with chemotherapy and radiation. The goal is to remove the tumor while preserving function. Most children can be treated with limb-salvage procedures.

Request an Appointment

To request an appointment, please fill out our form. Our staff will help you find the physician who best fits your individual medical needs.