Neuroblastoma Sympatheticum; A Study And Report Of 217 Cases
Pediatrics 23(6): June 1959; 1179-1191
View Original Source →Abstract
A three-month-old girl presented with a massive abdominal tumour arising from the right lumbar region. Microscopic examination of a biopsy specimen showed a typical neuroblastoma. No treatment was given except that necessary symptomatically for paralysis caused by compression of the cauda equina. Spontaneous regression was accompanied by maturation to a small ganglioneuroma found at necropsy examination at the age of ten years. Death was from urinary infection due to a persistent neurogenic bladder.
Case Details
Personal Characteristics
6-week-old infant, 11-month-old infant
Clinical Characteristics
Large tumor arising out of the pelvis, large tumor arising from the posterior mediastinum, large primary tumor of the suprarenal area with much neoplasm in the regional lymph nodes
Remission Characteristics
Abdominal mass gradually disappeared, asymptomatic, with a normal roentgenogram of the chest 20 years later
Treatment & Mechanisms
Proposed Remission Mechanisms
Tumor grew beyond its blood supply, then degenerated and disappeared, poorly understood antibody reactions between host and tumor
Clinical Treatment
Biopsy, no treatment was given
Additional Notes
Two infants regarded as hopeless at the time, because of widespread and nonremovable neoplasm, are now well and completely free of disease 20 and 25 years later. Two patients who undoubtedly represent spontaneous cures. In two other instances, large primary tumor of the suprarenal area with much neoplasm in the regional lymph nodes were completely benign ganglioneuromas.