Neuroblastoma : Post-Chemotherapy

Advanced stage neuroblastomas are usually treated initially with neoadjuvant chemotherapy followed 3-4 months later by surgery. Chemotherapy shrinks the tumor and makes it firmer, reducing the risk of rupture and hemorrhage during surgery. Chemotherapy also induces secondary changes, including necrosis, fibrosis, calcification, and some degree of tumor maturation. The histologic features may vary within the tumor from area to area resulting in a heterogenous appearance as seen in this image of a post-chemotherapy specimen. The lower left corner of the specimen shows bright yellow remnant of the adrenal cortex. Image courtesy of Dr. Jean-Christophe Fournet, Paris, France; humpath.com; Used with permission