Presence of ganglion cells in Wilm's tumours: a review of the possible neuroepithelial origin of nephroblastoma

Abstract

Twenty‐seven cases of Wilm's tumour were reviewed in order to confirm the presence of nervous tissue which could imply a ‘neuroepithelial’ origin for these neoplasms. For this purpose a double‐silver impregnation technique was used. Groups of ganglion cells with neurofibrils and non‐myelinated axon‐like processes appeared associated with a fine neurofibrillar network with neuromuscular junctions. Nervous tissue in nephroblastoma is mature and should not be confused with primary ganglioneuroblastoma of the kidney in which neuroblasts in rosette‐like groupings are very numerous. A case report of such a lesion is discussed for purposes of comparison.