neuroblastoma

Last reviewed 01/2018

A neuroblastoma is a tumour derived from neural crest tissue and so, is properly regarded as an APUD tumour.

The most common sites are (1):

• 50% adrenal medulla
• 25% abdominal sympathetic ganglia
• 20% chest
• 5% pelvis
• 5% neck

Extra abdominal sites generally have a better prognosis.

There is a wide spectrum of disease and in situ tumours with spontaneous remission may occur 30 times as frequently as symptomatic tumours.

Reference:

• Grant, W. (1994). Solid Tumours in Children. Surgery, 12:6, 121-9.