Sandbox:patho2
- Neuroblastoma arises from neural crest cells, which are normally involved in the development of the sympathetic nervous system and adrenal glands.
- Neuroblastoma frequently originates from the sympathetic nervous system structures. Specific sites may include:
- Adrenal glands in 35% of the cases (most common site)
- Retroperitoneal organs in 30% of the cases:
- Organ of Zuckerkandl
- Coeliac axis
- Paravertebral sympathetic chain
- Posterior mediastinum in 20% of the cases
- Neck 1-5%
- Pelvis: 2-3%
Intra abdominal occurrence is commoner than intra thoracic and comprise of almost two third of cases. Specific sites include:
adrenal glands: most common site of origin, 35% retroperitoneum: 30-35% organ of Zuckerkandl coeliac axis paravertebral sympathetic chain
posterior mediastinum: 20% neck: 1-5% pelvis: 2-3% In rare cases, no primary tumor can be discerned. Most of them secrete catecholamines: vanillylmandelic acid (VMA) and homovanillic acid (HVA) 2