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Adult-Onset Central Nervous System Embryonal Tumor With Neuronal Differentiation: A Diagnostic Challenge
Anh Quynh Pham1,2, Tuyen Van Pham3, Thong Minh Pham1,2
1Department of Radiology, Bach Mai Hospital, Hanoi, Vietnam.
The American Journal of Case Reports
|July 24, 2026
Summary
Primary central nervous system (CNS) neuroblastoma is rare in adults and presents diagnostic challenges. This case highlights its aggressive nature and mimics other brain tumors, especially in resource-limited settings.
Area of Science:
- Neuro-oncology
- Pediatric Oncology
- Neuropathology
Background:
- Neuroblastoma is the most common childhood extracranial solid tumor.
- Primary central nervous system (CNS) neuroblastoma is an exceedingly rare subtype.
- Adult-onset CNS embryonal tumors, including neuroblastoma, are uncommon and poorly characterized.
Purpose of the Study:
- To present a case of suspected primary CNS neuroblastoma in an adult.
- To highlight diagnostic challenges and the aggressive nature of this rare condition.
- To emphasize difficulties in resource-limited settings.
Main Methods:
- A case report of a 32-year-old woman with progressive headaches.
- Diagnostic evaluation included non-contrast computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
- Neurosurgical resection and histological examination of the tumor specimen.
Main Results:
- CT identified a hyperdense lesion with intratumoral hemorrhage and mass effect.
- MRI revealed a complex, heterogeneous, contrast-enhancing mass with hemorrhage and edema.
- Histology indicated an embryonal tumor with neuronal differentiation; primary CNS neuroblastoma was suspected due to resource limitations.
Conclusions:
- Primary CNS neuroblastoma in adults is rare, posing diagnostic challenges.
- Radiographically, it often mimics high-grade gliomas or metastatic lesions.
- The case underscores the tumor's aggressive nature and the importance of considering rare embryonal malignancies in differential diagnoses, especially when molecular confirmation is unavailable.
