Head and neck neuroblastoma

Primary neuroblastoma of the head and neck is rare. The clinical presentation and physical findings are related to the child's age, the stage and location of the primary tumor, and its attendant biological behavior. The differential diagnosis is varied, and initial evaluation includes a thorough physical examination, selected laboratory studies, and specific high-yield imaging techniques. The prognosis of these lesions has been increasingly favorable, even when the disease is not localized. Carefully planned surgical approaches provide local control, and radiation and chemotherapy may be beneficial in more extensive tumors. Second malignancies occur after treatment, and long-term follow-up is necessary.