English

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Neuroblastomas are the most common extracranial solid tumors in infancy and childhood. They are biologically distinctive and interesting paediatric tumors. Neuroblastoma is an embryonal malignancy of sympathetic nervous system arising from neuroblasts. AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: The objective of the present study is to study the spectrum, morphological features of neuroblastic tumors and to classify the tumors applying the International Neuroblastoma Pathology Classification (INPC). MATERIAL AND METHODS: This is a 4.5 year retrospective study undertaken at Department of pathology, Paediatric Referral Hospital, Hyderabad. A total of 41 cases of neuroblastic tumors were included in our study from January 2004 to June 2009. The Haematoxylin and eosin stained slides were evaluated for histopathological features including differentiation, presence or absence of Schwannian stroma and Mitotic- Karyorrhectic index (MKI). They were clinically staged using International Neuroblastoma staging System (INSS) and graded according to International Neuroblastoma Pathology Classification (INPC). OBSERVATIONS AND RESULTS: The commonest age group was found to be less than 1.5 years and more common in boys. The most common presenting site was adrenal gland (36.5%) followed by retroperitoneum (31.7%).Most of the patients presented in advanced clinical stage (Stage 4) with mass abdomen as the presenting symptom (41.4%). Of the 41 cases, 14 were observed as favourable histology (FH) subgroup while 27 as unfavourable histology (UH) subgroup. CONCLUSION: INPC has formulated the classification of neuroblastic tumors based on grade of neuroblastic differentiation and MKI value linked with age at presentation. Histopathologic