Long-term survival in adult mediastinal neuroblastoma

Jpn J Thorac Cardiovasc Surg. 2003 Jul;51(7):326-9. doi: 10.1007/BF02719388.

Abstract

Neuroblastoma rarely occurs in adults, in whom prognosis is poor. Here we report on the effective use of multimodal therapy to achieve long-term survival in adult mediastinal neuroblastoma. In a 33-year-old male with severe pain radiating from the left hypochondrium to the back area, no abnormal shadow was detected on first examination; the shadow appeared in chest X-ray only 10 months later when the severe pain recurred. The patient was then referred to our department for further examination. Chest X-rays and chest CT scans revealed a posterior mediastinal mass beside the thoracic vertebrae. Diagnosis was confirmed after surgical resection, which was followed by outpatient adjuvant therapy through radiation and chemotherapy. The patient has survived 8 years and 8 months without recurrence or metastasis.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols
  • Combined Modality Therapy
  • Cyclophosphamide / administration & dosage
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Mediastinal Neoplasms / mortality*
  • Mediastinal Neoplasms / therapy
  • Neuroblastoma / mortality*
  • Neuroblastoma / therapy
  • Radiotherapy, Adjuvant
  • Survival Analysis
  • Thoracotomy
  • Time Factors
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed

Substances

  • Cyclophosphamide