A retrospective review on the histopathological pattern of childhood malignant solid tumors in Ethiopia

Abstract

AbstractIn low‐ and middle‐income countries (LMICs), malignancies remain underreported due to lack of quality data. This study outlines the histopathological pattern of pediatric solid malignancies in children aged 0–15 years at the largest referral hospital in Ethiopia. A total of 432 solid malignancies were evaluated. The most common malignancies were lymphoma (21.8%), retinoblastoma (19.4%), and Wilms tumor (13.9%). Burkitt lymphoma accounted for 2.1%, despite being the most reported pediatric malignancy in sub‐Saharan Africa in published literature. Definitive diagnosis could not be made in 7% of cases, related to the lack of confirmatory testing. The study highlights the need for improvement in diagnostic capabilities in LMICs.