Jan. 10, 2026
At Mayo Clinic, childhood cancer surgery is built on a foundation of collaboration and innovation. Cancer in children and adolescents is inherently rare, and every patient's condition is unique. Mayo Clinic specializes in caring for children at initial diagnosis as well as for children with relapsed and refractory tumors. Pediatric surgeons work in concert with pediatric oncologists, radiation oncologists and surgical subspecialists. Together, they deliver hope and individualized care for children with solid tumors that require surgery, including neuroblastoma, liver tumors, kidney tumors and sarcomas.
The collaborative care model extends beyond Mayo Clinic's walls, with active engagement from referring clinicians and local oncologists. These efforts ensure continuity of care and minimize disruption to families.
"In pediatric oncology at Mayo Clinic, precision isn't limited to chemotherapy," says Stephanie F. Polites, M.D., M.P.H., pediatric surgeon and chair of the Division of Pediatric Surgery at Mayo Clinic Children's in Rochester, Minnesota. "Our goal as surgeons is to remove the entire tumor while limiting damage to surrounding tissues. New technologies are making that goal more achievable." Mayo Clinic Children's integrates advanced surgical technologies that prioritize more precision and less morbidity for patients. These innovations are not isolated tools; they are part of a broader strategy to reduce risk, improve outcomes, and support the patient and the family.
Minimally invasive techniques
Surgeons at Mayo Clinic have expertise in minimally invasive surgical approaches, including robotic techniques, for cancer in the chest, abdomen and pelvis. These methods often allow tumors to be removed through a few small incisions rather than a single large one, which can reduce pain and support faster recovery. Minimally invasive surgery also may help children return to normal activities sooner and minimize delays in starting necessary chemotherapy or radiation treatments after surgery.
Fluorescence-guided surgery
Fluorescence-guided surgery is a technology that surgeons can use for more precise cancer surgery in children. Agents such as indocyanine green are administered intravenously and are selectively retained by tumor tissue, allowing surgeons to identify both primary tumors and metastases with greater accuracy. Special cameras in the operating room allow surgeons to see fluorescent tissue. This technique is particularly valuable in minimally invasive cancer surgery, lung or liver tumor removal, and sentinel lymph node biopsy. Next-generation fluorescent agents for advancing childhood cancer surgery are being studied by Mayo Clinic surgeons. Information is available on the Mayo Clinic Pediatric Surgery clinical trials website.
"Our goal as surgeons is to remove the entire tumor while limiting damage to surrounding tissues and improving recovery. New technologies are making that goal more achievable."
3D anatomic modeling
Mayo Clinic's 3D Anatomic Modeling Laboratories use preoperative imaging scans and advanced 3D printing technology to create custom models of patients' tumors and surrounding anatomy. These models help surgeons plan operations with greater precision and serve as valuable visual aids for explaining the procedure to patients and their families.
"Having life-size, patient-specific models created from imaging scans allows us to plan surgery with greater precision," says Jonathan M. Morris, M.D., medical director of Mayo Clinic's Anatomic Modeling Unit. "With manufacturing capabilities located just above the operating rooms, we can seamlessly integrate radiology, engineering, manufacturing, and surgery at the point of care for solving some of the most complex pediatric cancer cases."
Care coordination
Optimal pediatric cancer care at Mayo Clinic requires close coordination among the oncology team, referring clinicians, patients and families. For complex cases, additional subspecialists such as vascular, urologic, orthopedic and adult surgical oncologists are engaged when their expertise can enhance outcomes.
"We're fortunate to have access to surgeons across nearly every specialty, and they're always willing to assist when a child's care could benefit," says Dr. Polites. "It's part of what makes our team feel unified, regardless of specialty or department."
Patients typically want to spend as little time as possible away from home, school and friends. Scheduling multiple appointments on the same day and offering virtual visits are two ways in which Mayo Clinic helps make care more convenient.
"We work with patients' oncologists and other medical professionals who may be closer to home so that patients can receive care in their communities," she says. "We want patients and families to feel that we are a single team caring for them here and at home."
A commitment to possibility
At Mayo Clinic, pediatric surgical oncology is defined not only by clinical expertise but also by a shared commitment to possibility. Whether a child is newly diagnosed or facing a relapsed or refractory tumor, teams work together across specialties, institutions and communities to explore every opportunity for care. "Through innovation, collaboration, and a focus on the whole patient and family, we aim to offer not just treatment, but hope," says Dr. Polites.
For more information
Polites SF. Progress in precision pediatric surgical oncology. Cancer. 2023;129:3852.
Refer a patient to Mayo Clinic.