Metastatic ganglioneuroblastoma in head and neck diagnosed by fine needle aspiration: a case report

Acta Cytol. 2007 May-Jun;51(3):429-33. doi: 10.1159/000325760.

Abstract

Background: To describe the cytologic findings of a case of ganglioneuroblastoma metastatic to the jaw and neck.

Case: A 15-year-old boy with a known case of ganglioneuroblastoma of the kidney for the previous 10 years manifested by right mandibular and neck masses on 2 occasions 1 year apart was diagnosed with metastatic ganglioneuroblastoma by fine needle aspiration (FNA). FNA showed neurofibrillary material, small malignant cells, Homer-Wright rosettes. mononucleated, binucleated and multinucleated ganglion cells and Reed Sternberg-like ganglion cells. Metastatic ganglioneuroblastoma was diagnosed on both occasions, and the patient received appropriate treatment, with resolution of the lesions.

Conclusion: This case illustrates the FNA findings of metastatic ganglioneuroblastoma in the head and neck region.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Biopsy, Fine-Needle
  • Ganglioneuroblastoma / diagnostic imaging
  • Ganglioneuroblastoma / secondary*
  • Head and Neck Neoplasms / diagnostic imaging
  • Head and Neck Neoplasms / secondary*
  • Humans
  • Jaw Neoplasms / diagnostic imaging
  • Jaw Neoplasms / secondary*
  • Kidney Neoplasms / pathology*
  • Male
  • Radiography
  • Radionuclide Imaging
  • Reed-Sternberg Cells / pathology