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

Twenty-seven cases of Wilms' 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.