Neuroblastoma in an adult: case presentation and literature review

Neuroblastoma is the most common malignancy in children less than one year of age, but is rare in adults. Adult neuroblastoma differs from pediatric cases by lacking classical features including low incidence of MYCN amplification, elevated urinary catecholamimes, and MIBG avidity. The diagnosis may not be initially considered because of the rarity, which emphasizes the importance of immunohistochemical staining and cytogenetic testing in aiding the diagnosis. We present a case of neuroblastoma in a 39-year-old woman who failed to respond to intensive therapy for this malignancy and died within a year after diagnosis.