Spontaneous Disappearance Of Neuroblastoma With Maturation To Ganglioneuroma
Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery (Great Britain) 44-B(4): Nov 1962; 886-890
View Original Source →Abstract
Two infants with disseminated neuroblastoma experienced spontaneous regression and recovery without the benefit of therapy. A review of present knowledge of this disease indicates that children under one year of age with a specific pattern of metastatic involvement may have a good chance of experiencing a spontaneous regression. The authors suggest that these infants be observed for a period of time before a decision is made to initiate therapy.
Case Details
Personal Characteristics
Three-month-old girl
Clinical Characteristics
Presented with a massive abdominal tumour arising from the right lumbar region. Weakness in the left calf muscles, hard swelling in the right lumbar muscles, abdominal swelling on the left side, reddened skin over the lump, marked foot drop, no movement of the foot but slight power of extension of the knee, no movement of the foot but normal control of the knee and hip in the right lower limb, urine contained pus cells and coliform bacilli, deformity of the feet and some urinary retention with overflow, and consequent cystitis.
Remission Characteristics
Spontaneous regression was accompanied by maturation to a small ganglioneuroma found at necropsy examination at the age of ten years.
Treatment & Mechanisms
Proposed Remission Mechanisms
Not discussed
Clinical Treatment
No treatment was given except that necessary symptomatically for paralysis caused by compression of the cauda equina.
Additional Notes
Death was from urinary infection due to a persistent neurogenic bladder. The child was admitted on twelve occasions for treatment of the paralysis of the legs and the impaired bladder function, which led to progressive deterioration in kidney function. The child eventually died in June 1959 from uraemia at the age of ten years.