AB053. Lessons from managing an 11-year-old girl with a calvarial neuroblastoma in a resource-limited setting: a case report
Year: 2024
Type: conference-abstract
Abstract: BACKGROUND: Neuroblastoma is a common solid extracranial tumor in children which usually presents at an early age. It has a high propensity to metastasize and the skull is one of its favored metastatic sites. Here, we reported a case of a neuroblastoma lesion in the skull managed in a resource-limited setting and discussed potential pitfalls. CASE DESCRIPTION: We presented our case as a descriptive report in accordance with the CARE case report guideline. An 11-year-old girl was referred to the neurosurgery clinic with a large lump on her left head which was discovered 2 weeks prior. Aside from an intermittent headache, she was otherwise healthy. A non-contrast head computed tomography (CT) scan showed a bone destruction by an isodense mass on the right parietal region which extended to the extradural space. Interestingly, a sunburst appearance was noted within the tumor mass. Complete tumor removal was performed and the dura was macroscopically intact. She was later discharged without any symptoms. Initial histopathological result was inconclusive and the samples had to be sent to another facility for immunohistochemistry examinations. The result came back supporting the diagnosis of neuroblastoma. As neuroblastoma in the skull was most likely a result of metastasis, we scheduled the patient for further work-up examinations. Unfortunately, due to financial reasons, she and her parents were unable to travel back to the hospital. CONCLUSIONS: Neuroblastoma should still be considered in older children with neoplastic skull lesion. A high degree of suspicion for neuroblastoma and other metastatic skull lesions is important and would allow clinicians to perform required diagnostic examinations to establish the primary site in the shortest time possible and prevent loss to follow-up. This is especially important in a resource-limited setting where the patients often come from families with low socioeconomic status. Subsequent follow-up and hospital visits impose additional costs which most of them cannot afford.
Source: Chinese Clinical Oncology
Authors: Donny Argie, Patrick Putra Lukito, Julius July
Institutions: University of Nusa Cendana, Pelita Harapan University
Language: English
Subfield: Neurology
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W4401614358