A solid tumor is a mass or lump made up of cells that are growing abnormally. These tumors can form in many parts of the body. They show up in the bones, muscles, organs or soft tissues.

If the tumor is cancer, it can spread to other body parts.

Benign tumors (not cancer) don't spread and are often easier to treat. However, they can cause symptoms and, in some cases, may continue to grow back.

At Children's Wisconsin, our experts in the solid tumor oncology program care for children with a wide range of solid tumors. These include rare types and the most common.

Bone or Muscle Tumors

Sarcomas are rare cancers that start in bones or soft tissues like muscles. They are more common in kids and teens than adults. Some grow slowly, others spread quickly. We treat sarcomas through the musculoskeletal oncology program.

Brain Tumor

Brain tumors are growths that start in the brain or spinal cord. They can affect how a child moves, thinks or feels. Brain tumors are the most common type of solid tumor in children. We treat brain tumors through the neuro-oncology program.

Retinoblastoma

Retinoblastoma is a rare eye cancer that usually affects children under age 2. Retinoblastoma often shows up as a white glow in the pupil. We treat retinoblastoma through our eye care center.

Nerve Cell Tumor

Neuroblastoma is a cancer that starts in early nerve cells. Growths often appear in the belly near the adrenal glands. It may also begin in nerve tissue in the neck, chest or pelvis.

It mostly affects babies and children under 5, but can be seen throughout childhood and early adolescence.

Benign Liver Tumor

Tumors that grow in the liver but are not cancerous are benign liver tumors. They are rare, usually harmless and often found by chance.

The most common benign liver tumor is hemangioma, an abnormal growth of blood vessels. We find these mostly in infants less than 1 year. Sometimes, hemangiomas grow back after treatment. They can cause anemia.

Liver Cancer

Two types of liver cancer may develop in kids.

• Hepatoblastoma: Usually found in kids from infancy to about age 5. It can spread to other parts of the body, such as the lungs or belly.
• Hepatocellular carcinoma: A rare liver cancer that happens more often in older children and teens.

Wilms Tumor

Wilms tumor is a kidney cancer, also called nephroblastoma. It mainly affects young children, often under age 7. It usually causes belly swelling or a lump. Most kids do very well with treatment, but the tumors can be very large, and they may spread to other body tissues. 

Germ Cell Tumors

Germ cell tumors start in the cells that make eggs or sperm. They can grow in the ovaries, testicles, chest, belly or brain. Some germ cell tumors are cancerous, while others are not.

We tailor your child's care to their tumor type, age and their needs.

Cancer care for solid tumors may include:

• Surgery: Removes the tumor if it's safe to do so. It is a vital part of cancer care for many solid tumors.
• Chemotherapy: Strong medicine that kills cancer cells. We can give it before or after surgery or on its own.
• Radiation: Uses high-energy rays to shrink or kill cancer cells. We may use it when surgery isn't possible or after surgery.
• Immunotherapy and targeted therapy: Newer treatments that help the immune system or target specific cancer cells. We may use these for some advanced cancers.
• Stem cell or bone marrow transplant: Replaces damaged bone marrow after high-dose chemo. We use it for hard-to-treat or relapsed cancers.
• Liver transplant: Your child may need a new liver if they have a large liver tumor.

Other Care Your Child May Need

Cancer care involves more than just treating the tumor. We offer support for side effects and related health issues:

• Infection care: Antibiotics help prevent or treat infections
• Comfort and symptom care: Medicine and therapies to ease pain, nausea and tiredness
• Nutrition support: Dietitians help with eating challenges and meal plans
• Rehabilitation: Therapy to help your child regain strength, movement and speech
• Blood pressure monitoring: For kidney tumors like Wilms tumor
• Hormone support: Your child may need medicine after treatment for germ cell tumors
• Emotional support: Your child and family will have the support of a social worker and psychologist throughout diagnosis and treatment