Differential diagnosis of neuroblastoma and Burkitt's tumour.

In Nigeria, as in most of tropical Africa, it is often impossible to determine the nature of a tumour involving the facial bones of a child, by clinical or radiological examination. The histology of a rapidly growing neuroblastoma has often been confused with other types of undifferentiated round cell malignant tumour, including retinoblastoma and Burkitt's tumour (African childhood lymphoma). This case of neuroblastoma is described as an instance in which tissue culture provided an accurate diagnosis quickly, with minimal disturbance to the patient.