Neuroblastoma

This book addresses neuroblastoma, a type of embryonic tumor derived from neural crest cells and one of the most frequent extra-cranial solid tumors in children. However, the term also describes a heterogeneous group of tumors, the prognosis of which can differ greatly according to age, stage and biology. Some forms undergo spontaneous regression, and some are cured by surgery alone or after chemo-reduction, while others exhibit extremely aggressive behavior. Their successful treatment is one of the best examples of tailored medicine, which involves close collaboration between pediatric surgeons, pediatric oncologists, radiologists, nuclear medicine specialists, biologists, oncogeneticists and radiotherapists. The book pursues a unique approach, as it combines most essential insights from all of these fields, together with key information regarding epidemiology, physiopathology and palliative care. The respective chapters were written by the leading international experts on neuroblastoma, and present the latest advances in terms of research, surgical approaches and medical treatments. The book offers an invaluable resource to all pediatric surgeons, pediatricians, oncologists, students, researchers and all others involved in neuroblastoma management who want to benefit from their colleagues’ expertise.

Neuroblastoma: Molecular Mechanisms and Therapeutic Interventions comprehensively reviews current concepts in molecular and histopathological mechanisms that influence the growth of human malignant neuroblastoma, along with exciting therapeutic interventions. This book features a broad collection of contributions from leading investigators in histopathology, molecular mechanisms, genetics, epigenetics, microRNAs, proteomics, and metabolism in controlling growth and death in neuroblastoma. Recent developments in therapeutic interventions for neuroblastoma are also covered extensively, including chapters on surgery, chemotherapy, targeted therapy and immunotherapy. This book is ideal for advanced undergraduate students, graduate students, medical students, postdoctoral fellows, and investigators with an interest in current molecular concepts and therapeutic interventions.

The purpose of this book is to provide a comprehensive review of current knowledge and to give a thoughtful assessment of the many complex issues involved in the diagnosis and treatment of this common malignant solid tumor found in children. This up-to-date publication also reviews new concepts in histogenesis and histopathology of neuroblastoma. Divided into three main sections, this work focuses on tumor biology, clinical management, and prognosis and future perspectives. This fascinating work includes in-depth discussions on neuroblastoma in infancy and the manifestations of this tumor as it affects various organs and various parts of the body. It also provides guidelines for treatment with surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy. This ideal resource is loaded with information for all those who care for children with cancer, including pediatric oncologists, medical oncologists, pathologists, radiotherapists, pediatric nurse oncologists and pediatricians.

Neuroblastoma is a medical enigma. As a childhood neoplasm arising from neural crest cells, it is characterized by diverse clinical behaviors ranging from spontaneous remission to rapid tumor progression and death. Although clinical outcome can be predicted to a large extent by the stage of disease and the age at diagnosis, an in-depth understanding of its clinico-pathological behavior, now greatly aided by sophisticated molecular genetic profiling, will improve diagnostic precision and refine risk-based therapies. Comprehensive international efforts have advanced our understanding of tumor biology and improved the clinical management of children with neuroblastoma. This book reviews our current understanding of the genes and biological pathways that contribute to neuroblastoma pathogenesis, modern risk-based treatment approaches for these patients, and recent advances in biologically based therapy. It provides a concise up-to-date reference for practitioners, students, and researchers.

This book provides a practical guide to the congenital and acquired problems related to pediatric surgery and urology. A range of topics are covered, including; abdominal wall hernias, hemangioma and vascular malformations, gastrochesis, achalasia, congenital gastric outlet obstruction, renal and liver tumors, intestinal malrotation, and hydronephrosis. The book aims to be a quick reference text for the diagnosis and treatment of pediatric surgery conditions and presents information relevant to general surgeons, pediatricians, pediatric surgeons, and medical trainees.

This book focuses on standard operative techniques for important diseases in pediatric surgery, especially in neonates and infants, while also offering a wealth of schematic drawings and photographs to help readers understand the surgical techniques. Because of the rarity of the diseases and shortage of advising doctors, operative techniques for neonatal and infant surgery are difficult to learn. In order to understand essential operative procedures, schematic drawings and suitable intraoperative photographs are called for. Operative General Surgery in Neonates and Infants was written by leading experts in pediatric surgery with extensive experience in their respective fields. The contents provide detailed practical advice on the surgical procedures and perioperative management in neonates and infants. This book is a valuable guide for trainees and a helpful refresher text for specialized pediatric surgeons and can also be used to explain operative procedures to parents.

This handbook is designed to provide the radiation oncologist with clear practical guidance in the delineation of tumor volumes and/or radiation fields for a wide variety of pediatric cancers, including the most frequently encountered malignancies of childhood. This is a guide to designing treatment fields and volumes that may be utilized in the delivery of conformal therapies such as intensity-modulated radiation therapy and proton therapy, the latter being particularly relevant in children. Each chapter focuses on a specific tumor type, providing general guidelines that will assist the reader in delineating the clinical target volume for particular presentations, including patterns of spread. As the target volumes can be complex, detailed illustrations are presented of the volumes in representative cases, contoured slice by slice on the planning CT images. In addition to target volume delineation for conformal treatment, field design setup for conventional approaches is also discussed.

Acclaimed for its unsurpassed readability and manageable scope, Ashcraft’s Pediatric Surgery presents authoritative, practical guidance on treating the entire range of general surgical and urological problems in infants, children, and adolescents. State-of-the-art, expert coverage equips you to implement all the latest approaches and achieve optimal outcomes for all of your patients. Consult this title on your favorite e-reader, conduct rapid searches, and adjust font sizes for optimal readability. Make the most effective use of today’s best open and minimally invasive techniques, including single-site umbilical laparoscopic surgery, with guidance from internationally recognized experts in the field. Focus on evidence-based treatments and outcomes to apply today’s best practices. Stay current with timely topics thanks to brand-new chapters on Choledochal Cyst and Gallbladder Disease, Tissue Engineering, and Ethics in Pediatric Surgery, plus comprehensive updates throughout. Hone and expand your surgical skills by watching videos of minimally invasive procedures for recto urethral fistula, biliary atresia, laparoscopic splenectomy, uterine horn, and more. Grasp the visual nuances of surgery from over 1,000 images depicting today’s best surgical practices.

This richly illustrated book presents the pediatric applications of PET/CT in the full range of scenarios frequently encountered in a professional setting. It opens with a thorough introduction covering the fundamental science and the clinical basis for use of PET/CT in this age group. Pitfalls and artifacts are examined, and normal variations and benign findings are carefully described. Each subsequent chapter addresses the role of PET/CT with different radiopharmaceuticals in the evaluation and management of a specific disease. The full range of oncological diseases is covered, including the rare ones. Succinct descriptions of clinical cases are included and, when appropriate, comparisons are made with other modalities. In addition, the role of PET/CT in biopsy guidance and in radiation therapy planning is explained. This book will be invaluable for residents and practitioners in nuclear medicine, radiology, oncology, radiation oncology, and nuclear medicine technology

Atlas of Endocrine Pathology provides a comprehensive compendium of photomicrographs of common and uncommon entities in endocrine pathology. The volume includes histologic features of normal features, reactive conditions, hyperplasia and tumors. The most helpful diagnostic features are illustrated to provide direction and clues to the diagnosis of endocrine tumors. Furthermore, photomicrographs highlight the most pertinent diagnostic features in problematic diagnoses in endocrine pathology. Authored by a nationally and internationally recognized pathologist, Atlas of Endocrine Pathology is an important learning tool for those becoming familiar with the diverse entities encountered in endocrine pathology and a valuable reference for practicing pathologists faced with challenging diagnoses in endocrine pathology.