Primitive neuroectodermal tumor in the skin with features of neuroblastoma in an adult patient

A case of primitive neuroectodermal tumor of an 81-year-old man is presented, which was located in the cutis. The occurrence in this age and this superficial location is unusual and raises wide differential diagnostic possibilities. The tumor demonstrated Homer Wright rosettes, was positive for neuron-specific enolase and ultrastructurally revealed neurosecretory granules. These features support the diagnosis of a peripheral neuroblastoma. We discuss the controversy about the terminology of peripheral neuroblastoma vs. neuroepithelioma, as well as the differential diagnosis of these tumors.