TITLE:
Neuroblastoma in Senegal: Epidemiological, Morphological and Prognostic Study of 35 Cases Diagnosed from 2017 to 2023
AUTHORS:
Alioune Ndiaye Dia, Mame Vénus Gueye, Ndiaga Diop, Amadou Ndiade, Khadidiatou Dansokho, Abdou Magib Gaye, Racha Kamenda Ibondou, Mama Sy, Chérif Mouhamed Moustapha Dial
KEYWORDS:
Embryonic Tumor, Neuroblastoma, Immunohistochemistry, Sympathetic Nervous System
JOURNAL NAME:
Open Journal of Pathology,
Vol.16 No.2,
March
24,
2026
ABSTRACT: Neuroblastoma is classified as peripheral neuroblastic tumors. It is an embryonic malignant neoplasm that impacts the normal development of the sympathetic nervous system. Objective: The aim of this study is to delineate the epidemiological, morphological, and histo-prognostic features of neuroblastoma in Senegal. Methodology: This study employed a retrospective and descriptive design, during the period from January 2017 to December 2023. The analysis focused on all cases of neuroblastoma that were histologically confirmed and had undergone immunohistochemical evaluation within the Anatomic and Pathological Cytology laboratories of the Idrissa Pouye General Hospital (HOGIP) and Cheikh Anta Diop University (UCAD) of Dakar. Results: A total of 35 cases were collected, accounting for 5.27% of all pediatric solid cancers in both study sites (n = 664). The mean age of patients was 5.42 years, with a standard deviation of 4.33. The sex ratio was 0.94. The primary tumor site was singular in 88.57% of cases, with adrenal gland involvement observed in 22.86%. Metastatic neuroblastoma was present at the time of diagnosis in 25.71% of cases. The most commonly observed macroscopic characteristic was a well-circumscribed tumor with firm consistency and a multinodular surface, exhibiting areas of necrosis and hemorrhage. Morphological assessment led to the suspicion of neuroblastoma in 32 cases (91.42%). Histological analysis revealed a predominance of the “poorly differentiated” subtype (57.14%). Based on the International Neuroblastoma Staging System (INSS) classification, 74.29% of patients were diagnosed in Stage 2B, and 25.71% in Stage 4, often associated with an unfavorable prognosis. Conclusion: The observed low incidence of neuroblastoma among Senegalese children may potentially be attributed to diagnostic challenges or spontaneous regression. Our study indicated a predominance of the poorly differentiated subtype. No upward trend in incidence was noted; the majority of cases were diagnosed at advanced stages.