Role of surgery in neuroblastoma.

Abstract

Neuroblastoma is the most common malignant solid tumor handled by pediatric surgeons. It is well-known that neuroblastoma shows variable biological and clinical behaviors. In this review article, surgical strategy in neuroblastoma was described by risk stratification. Also, strategy of biopsy and clinical conditions that require special considerations such as neuroblastoma detected by mass screening, relapsed neuroblastoma, patients with stage MS and dumbbell type tumors was mentioned. As multimodal systemic treatments have been expanding, the role of surgery in neuroblastoma has become relatively less significant but requisite. We surgeons should decide therapeutic strategy based on the correct understanding of biology of neuroblastoma thinking of the better future of children.