Leukemia. Neuroblastoma.

Abstract

Leukemia is the most frequent malignancy of children, being responsible for 30% of all malignant tumors at this age (35).
Although rarely, the skin can be affected in case of leukemia. The cutaneous lesions are usally not specific, but sometimes specific, namely due to leukemic cells infiltrating the dermis and subcutaneous fat.
Neuroblastoma (NB) arises from primary multipotent sympathetic cells deriving from the neural crests. Therefore, NB is able to secrete hormones.
NB is the most common extracranial solid tumor in children, being fourth in frequency after leukemia, lymphomas and tumors of the central nervous system. It accounts for about 9% of all childhood cancers and its prevalence is about 1 case per 8000 live births (45). NB is rare after the first decade of age and in 50% of cases is diagnosed before the age of two. Therefore, NB is a typical tumor of childhood.
NB is here treated because cutaneous metastases, which are not always associated with a severe prognosis, can be the presenting sign of the disease. This is why pediatric dermatologists should be aware of these lesions.