Self‐Limiting Sternal Tumour of Childhood: Recognition Prevents Unnecessary Diagnostics and Treatment

Self-limiting sternal tumour of childhood (SELSTOC) is a rare, benign tumour, characterised by a rapidly growing pre- or parasternal mass in children up to 2 years of age. This review aimed to improve awareness among physicians and summarise the clinical features and outcomes of SELSTOC. We conducted PubMed and Google Scholar searches to collect data on children diagnosed with SELSTOC from the earliest records until July 2024. Three new cases from two Belgian paediatric hospitals (ZAS Queen Paola Children's Hospital and University Hospital Brussels) were included. Data on demographics, clinical presentation, diagnostics, treatment and outcomes were analysed. Forty-one children were included (3 new cases) with a mean age of 14.0 ± 8.3 months and with a male predominance (25 males, 16 females). Fever occurred in 33% (13/39), pain or tenderness in 55% (21/38), discolouration in 33% (11/33) and warmth in 4% (1/23). Ultrasound was used in 90% (37/41), typically showing a hypoechoic, heterogeneous, avascular mass with pre-, para- and retrosternal components ('dumbbell' shape). All lesions resolved spontaneously within weeks to months. Greater clinical awareness of SELSTOC is essential to prevent unnecessary investigations and treatments, given its benign, self-limiting course.