[Neuroblastoma sympathicum problem: our own experiences with 10 neuroblastoma patients]

Special problems of neuroblastoma sympathicum are being demonstrated by means of 10 cases. Although in the past 20 years therapy ahs been improved considerably, the 2-year survival rate in 35--40% was hardly increased. Three children are specially presented: case I with myoclonus encephalopathy, case II with spontaneous regression and case III, where therapy was carried through by radical surgery. Various possible causes of myoclonus encephalopathy are being discussed and, regarding prognosis, assessed favourably. Several samples of excision should be required, since the tumor substance varies histologically. It is further reported about immunological phenomena. We point out especially that, if a tumor is manifested in a child under one year of age, the prospect is very good. The tumor should be excised by radical surgery, and, if vital structures are included, a resection en bloc might be necessary, with re-implantation of important blood vessels. Favourable factors with regard to prognosis are being counted up. Therapy should be carried out individually, depending on a low risk or high risk case.