[Thoracic neuroblastoma]

Between 1984 and 1994 operations for thoracic neuroblastomas were performed in ten patients (six boys, four girls). The median age was 17 months, the follow-up ranges between 6 months and 11 years; one patient died 3 years postoperatively. Complete excision of the tumour was the only therapy in four patients presenting with stage I (n = 2) and II a (n = 2) disease. Following resection, chemotherapy was carried out in four patients with stage II b (n = 2) and III (n = 2). Chemotherapy was the primary procedure in two patients with stage IV; resection of the tumour and postoperative chemotherapy followed. Thoracic neuroblastomas have a favorable outcome. The basic biology seems to differ from that of other sites and may not warrant such aggressive surgical therapy. Complete excision is recommended, if possible, but is not imperative.