Neuroblastoma versus Nephroblastoma in infancy and childhood

ABSTRACT

A thorough statistical analysis and study of the clinical presentations as well as the radiological findings of this work on Wilm's tumours [56 cases] and neuroblastomas [28 cases] in infancy and childhood showed the following conclusions: A] Statistical Analysis: 1. Wilm's tumours were of predominent occurance. 2. The peak age of Wilm's tumours was 2-4 years and that for neuroblastoma was 2-3 years. 3. Wilm's tumours nearly equally affected both males and females, while neuroblastomas affected the males more than females. B] Clinical Presentations. A palpable mass was usually the main presentation of malignant abdominal tumours in infancy and childhood. However, the other malignant abdominal tumours usually presenting with malaise and abdominal pain. C] Radiological examinations 1. Plain abdominal radiogram were essential in abdominal tumours that showed soft tissue mass. The neuroblastomas commonly showed calcifications. 2. Intravenous urography was essential in diagnosing tumours of renal [Wilm's] and of supra-renal [neuroblastomas] origin. 3. Barium meal undoubtedly helped in the diagnosis of upper abdominal tumours as barium enema did in lower abdominal tumours. 4. Selective arteriography was one of the diagnostic techniques to evaluate the features of malignancy in the turnours. 5. Skeletal survey especially for the skull and the extremities was essential to detect bony metastasis of neuroblastomas. 6. Chest radiogram to detect pulmonary metastasis was important radiological follow-up examination of abdominal malignant tumours