Extracranial malignant rhabdoid tumour – This is a rare and aggressive type of cancer that typically occurs in soft tissues outside the brain. It often begins in the kidneys but can also develop in other areas of the body. The tumour is characterized by the presence of large, abnormal cells. It tends to grow rapidly and can spread to other parts of the body. The progression involves the invasion of surrounding tissues and potential metastasis to distant organs. It is most commonly diagnosed in young children.
Desmoplastic small round cell tumour – This is a rare and aggressive cancer that primarily affects the abdomen. It is characterized by small, round cancer cells surrounded by dense fibrous tissue. The disease often begins in the peritoneum, the lining of the abdominal cavity. It tends to grow quickly and can spread to other organs within the abdomen. The tumour may also metastasize to distant sites such as the lungs or lymph nodes. It is most commonly found in adolescents and young adults.
Germ cell tumour – These are a group of cancers that originate from germ cells, which are the cells responsible for producing eggs or sperm. They can occur in the ovaries or testes, but also in other areas of the body such as the brain, chest, or abdomen. The progression of germ cell tumours varies depending on their location and type, with some growing slowly and others more rapidly. They can spread to nearby tissues and, in some cases, metastasize to distant organs. Germ cell tumours are most commonly diagnosed in children and young adults.
Wilms tumour – This is a type of kidney cancer that primarily affects children. It usually presents as a large abdominal mass and may cause pain or swelling. The tumour typically grows rapidly and can invade surrounding tissues. It may also spread to other parts of the body, such as the lungs or liver. Wilms tumour is most often diagnosed in children under the age of five. The disease is named after Dr. Max Wilms, who first described it.
Synovial sarcoma – This is a rare type of cancer that occurs in the soft tissues, often near joints such as the knee or ankle. It is characterized by the presence of spindle-shaped cells and can affect both children and adults. The tumour tends to grow slowly but can be aggressive and spread to other parts of the body. It may invade nearby tissues and metastasize to the lungs or lymph nodes. Synovial sarcoma is named for its resemblance to synovial tissue, although it does not originate from it.
High-risk neuroblastoma – This is a cancer that develops from immature nerve cells and primarily affects children. It often begins in the adrenal glands but can also occur in the neck, chest, or spine. The disease is considered high-risk due to its aggressive nature and tendency to spread quickly. It can invade surrounding tissues and metastasize to the bones, liver, or skin. Neuroblastoma is most commonly diagnosed in children under the age of five. The progression involves rapid growth and potential spread to distant sites.
Soft-tissue sarcoma – This is a group of cancers that arise from the soft tissues, such as muscles, fat, nerves, or blood vessels. They can occur anywhere in the body but are most commonly found in the arms, legs, or trunk. The progression of soft-tissue sarcomas varies, with some growing slowly and others more aggressively. They can invade nearby tissues and may metastasize to the lungs or other organs. Soft-tissue sarcomas are more common in adults but can also affect children. The disease encompasses a wide range of subtypes, each with distinct characteristics.
Fibrolamellar hepatocellular carcinoma – This is a rare type of liver cancer that typically affects adolescents and young adults. It is characterized by large, fibrous bands of tissue within the tumour. The disease often presents as a single mass in the liver and may cause abdominal pain or weight loss. It tends to grow slowly but can be aggressive and spread to other parts of the body. The tumour may invade nearby tissues and metastasize to the lungs or lymph nodes. Fibrolamellar hepatocellular carcinoma is distinct from other forms of liver cancer due to its unique histological features.