Neuroblastoma metastatic to the mandible

Abstract

The neuroblastoma is a malignant tumor of sympathetic origin. 1 The term neuroblastoma covers a spectrum of histologic types of neurogenic neoplasms that originate from cells derived from embryonic sympathetic neuroblasts, neural crest remnants, and the mantle layer of the neural tubes. Thus, they may occur in the adrenal glands or the sympathetic ganglia of the cervical, posterior mediastinal, retroperitoneal, and abdominal region. 2 Embryonic remnants may also give rise to primary neuroblastomas, but this possibility is remote. 3,4 The neuroblastoma is primarily a tumor of infancy, with one half of all cases appearing during the first year of life. 5 It is the second commonest malignancy of children following leukemia. 6 Primary neuroblastoma of the jaw is highly unlikely. The neuroblastoma of the head and neck is most likely metastatic, particularly if the lesion is within bone. 7 Many authors consider neuroblastoma of the head and neck to be uncommon, 8,9 but a study by Stern et al 10 (1974) showed that jaw involvement by neuroblastoma occurs in 25% of cases. However, primary neuroblastoma of the oral cavity as the initial feature is very rare.