Primary Tumors of the Spine in Children: A Review from the Pediatric Musculoskeletal Tumor Program at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia

Although musculoskeletal tumors are the third most common type of tumor in the pediatric population, primary tumors of the spine are rarely encountered. Despite their low incidence, pediatric orthopaedic surgeons must always consider the diagnosis in any evaluation of a child with back pain. Although the vast majority of these tumors are benign, most require surgical intervention to achieve diagnosis and cure. Unfortunately, malignant tumors of the spine remain frequently fatal and require coordinated care from surgeons and oncologists in the attempt to achieve cure. A comprehensive review of the pediatric musculoskeletal tumor database for the presentation, treatment, and outcomes in children with primary tumors of the spine has begun at our institution to try and improve clinical characterization of these tumors as well as identify optimal treatment methods. This review will discuss the clinical presentation, diagnosis, natural history, and treatment of the most common primary tumors of the spine in children.