Regression / Maturation Changes

Mass screening also detects pNTs with a potential of maturation. Tumor from a patient initially diagnosed as having neuroblastoma through mass screening at 8 months of age, was clinically observed (“watching” without intervention) with repeated MRI tests and urinary catecholamine determinations, and eventually excised at 2 years and 3 months of age. Histology of the tumor shows a typical feature of ganglioneuroblastoma, intermixed, suggesting a process of tumor maturation in its natural history during a course of clinical observation.

Neuroblastoma detected through mass screening. Mass screening often detects pNT cases with a potential of involution/regression. Note a process of remarkable regression (extensive dropping off of neuroblastic cells) of the neuroblastic cells in this case.