Primitive neuroectodermal tumour of the chest wall--a report of two cases and review of literature.
BACKGROUND
Primitive neuroectodermal tumours (PNETs) of the chest wall are rare entities and little is known regarding its biological activity and prognostic factors. Two cases are reported and the available literature reviewed to highlight the presentation and management of these tumours.


METHODS
We report 2 patients who were diagnosed with PNET of the chest wall in our centre. As there are no clinical features or basic diagnostic measures which are characteristic of these tumours, diagnosis is based on special tests. With the advent of newer immunohistochemical methods, it is now diagnosed more confidently.


METHODS
Both patients received multidisciplinary modalities of treatment, comprising extensive surgical resection, chemotherapy and radiotherapy.


RESULTS
One patient succumbed to the disease one year after diagnosis and the other is currently disease-free, both clinically and radiologically at 24 months.


CONCLUSIONS
Despite multidisciplinary modalities of treatment, the prognosis of PNET is still generally poor. Early diagnosis and treatment are important to improve the chances of survival.
Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, National Heart Centre, Mistri Wing, 17 Third Hospital Avenue, Singapore 168752.
C M
CM
Lim
M J
MJ
Naik
S B
SB
Ng
F K
FK
Cheah
T
T
Agasthian
D000293:Adolescent; D000971:Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001707:Biopsy, Needle; D001859:Bone Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000556:secondary / Q000628:therapy; D018288:Carcinoma, Small Cell / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000628:therapy; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D017809:Fatal Outcome; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008175:Lung Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000628:therapy; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009378:Neoplasms, Multiple Primary / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000628:therapy; D018242:Neuroectodermal Tumors, Primitive / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000556:secondary / Q000628:therapy; D010997:Pleural Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000628:therapy; D018714:Radiotherapy, Adjuvant; D012272:Ribs; D013908:Thoracotomy; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed