Surgical treatment of retroperitoneal neuroblastoma in a 14-month-old child

Abstract

Introduction. Neuroblastoma is the most common malignant embryonic extracranial solid tumor in childhood having a high mortality rate. While treating neuroblastoma, it is extremely important to follow international protocols with their staging systems and groups of risk. Surgical treatment is a compulsory approach, but in some cases it is extremely difficult, and it involves significant risks. However, in some cases, radical removal of the tumor can cure patients without chemotherapy.Material and methods. The article presents a clinical case of 14-month-old child with neuroblastoma of stage 3 and difficult anatomical location after 2 courses of polychemotherapy by NB-2004 protocol. The child had subradical resection of an extensive tumor in the retroperitoneal space and nephrectomy on the right. The authors also describe specific moments during surgery, problems which their faced during child’s treatment as well as follow-up examinations in the postoperative period.Results. Follow-up examinations did not reveal any signs of disease recurrence. Catamnesis lasted for 56 months. The child is in a good state; she is active, attends a nursery school.Conclusion. The discussed case demonstrates that a successful radical surgical removal of neuroblastoma of difficult anatomic location may have good outcomes without adjuvant postoperative therapy.