Neuroblastoma Metastasis to the Mandible in Children: A Case Report and Focused Narrative Review of Reported Cases.

Background

Neuroblastoma is a common extracranial solid malignant tumor of early childhood; however, mandibular involvement is rare and may mimic odontogenic or inflammatory disease. Case Presentation: We report an 8-month-old girl with left paramandibular swelling initially suspected to represent parotitis or odontogenic inflammation. Imaging revealed a destructive mandibular lesion with sunburst periosteal reaction, and histology confirmed undifferentiated neuroblastoma. Staging identified a left primary adrenal tumor with extensive bone marrow infiltration and MYCN proto-oncogene amplification. The patient received multimodal high-risk neuroblastoma therapy, including chemotherapy, surgery, autologous stem cell transplantation, proton therapy, antibody therapy, and Lorlatinib. Despite radiological remission, she developed severe pulmonary complications and died shortly before the age of five years.

Methods

A focused literature review was conducted to identify published pediatric cases of metastatic neuroblastoma involving the mandible.

Results

Through our review, we identified 31 published pediatric cases of mandibular metastatic neuroblastoma. Reported cases most commonly described mandibular swelling, pain, tooth mobility, and facial asymmetry. Most mandibular lesions represented metastatic disease from an adrenal or abdominal primary tumor.

Conclusions

Mandibular involvement of neuroblastoma is rare but clinically important. In infants and young children, persistent or atypical (para-/peri)mandibular swelling should not be assumed to be odontogenic or inflammatory. Early imaging, biopsy, and interdisciplinary referral are essential for timely diagnosis and treatment.