Morphologic spectrum of Peripheral Neuroblastic Tumors- A 5 year retrospective study at a tertiary care centre in South India

Abstract

Introduction: This study conducted at the department of Pathology, Govt. Medical College, Thiruvananthapuram aimed at studying the morphologic spectrum of Peripheral Neuroblastic tumors based on the International Neuroblastoma Pathology Committee (INPC) criteria. Materials and Methods: The study included all cases of Peripheral Neuroblastic tumors received in the Department of Pathology, Government Medical College, Thiruvananthapuram during the period January 2004 to December 2008. Resected specimens and Incisional biopsy specimen’s/ lymph nodes of size more than 2x2 cm were included as per INPC criteria. Specimens were grossly and histopathologically studied and classified. Immunohistochemical markers were used only for undifferentiated neuroblastoma. Results: Of 56 cases received, one incisional biopsy was rejected. Of the remaining 55, 37 were Neuroblastomas (67%), 8 Ganglioneuroblastomas (15%) and 10 Ganglioneuromas (18%). The predominant type of Neuroblastoma received was Differentiated - 26 cases (70%). Among Ganglioneuroblastomas 50% were of the Nodular classical type and in Ganglioneuromas 100% were of the mature type. Conclusion: The morphological spectrum of Peripheral Neuroblastic tumors were analyzed in 55 cases which included 37 cases of Neuroblastomas, 8 Ganglioneuroblastomas and 10 Ganglioneuromas. Further subtyping based on the I.N.P.C classification showed Neuroblastomas- 26 Differentiating, 9 Poorly Differentiated and 2 Undifferentiated. Among the Ganglioneuroblastomas- 4 were Nodular Classical, 2 Variant and 2 Intermixed. All 10 Ganglioneuromas were mature. Keywords: Peripheral Neuroblastic tumors, Neuroblastoma, Ganglioneuroblastoma, Ganglioneuroma, Immunohistochemistry.