Primary thoracic neuroblastoma in an adult: A rare case report

RATIONALE: Neuroblastoma is one of the most common malignant tumors in childhood, which mainly occurs in adrenal glands and peripheral sympathetic nerve system. Neuroblastoma occurring in adulthood is rare, and adults with neuroblastoma arising from thorax are exceedingly rare. A case of neuroblastoma that originated from thorax was reported, and was treated by resection operation. PATIENT CONCERNS: A 46-year-old woman was admitted to our hospital with left side chest pain for 5 days. Laboratory examinations were all normal. Chest computerized tomogram (CT) showed a lesion with clear boundary that was located at the left dorsal pleura. The nature of the mass was heterogeneous, showing slight heterogeneous enhancement after contrast and there was no obvious necrosis. DIAGNOSES: Based on the morphologic and immunohistochemical features, the tumor diagnosis was favorable for neuroblastoma. INTERVENTIONS: A resection operation was carried out. OUTCOMES: Three years postoperative, no sign of recurrence or metastasis has been observed. LESSONS: Primary neuroblastoma in adulthood is rare and has poor prognosis. Resection can be an important treatment option, and combining with other methods like chemotherapy, stem cell transplantation, the survival rate may be improved.