Neuroblastoma - Strong Health

What is Neuroblastoma?

Neuroblastoma is a solid, cancerous tumor that begins in nerve tissue in the neck, chest, abdomen, or pelvis, but often (1/3 of the time) originates in the abdomen in the tissues of the adrenal gland. It is typically a tumor of early childhood, and accounts for 50% of the cancers diagnosed in infants.

Cancer develops as the result of abnormal cell growth within the body. In the case of neuroblastoma, the cells of this cancer usually resemble very primitive developing nerve cells found in an embryo or fetus. (The term neuro indicates “nerves,” and blastoma refers to a cancer that affects immature or developing cells.) The immature cells go on to divide and grow abnormally and create a tumor. Some of these tumors do turn out to be non-cancerous (benign), and are referred to as [ganglioneuroma].

Risk Factors of Neuroblastoma

There are currently no strong risk factors associated with neuroblastoma. Researchers have found the following:

Age. Occurs most often in infants and accounts for 50% of all cancers diagnosed in infancy.
Sex. Occurs slightly more often in boys than in girls.
Race. Occurs slightly more often in white children that in African-American children.
Family history. If neuroblastoma has occurred in other relatives, a child may have a slightly higher risk of developing this disease, too.

Common Symptoms of Neuroblastoma

Any one or combination of the following symptoms may be a sign of neuroblastoma:

Unusual lump or mass, usually in the neck, chest, abdomen, or pelvis
Abdominal pain or discomfort
Bone pain or tenderness
Fever
Protruding eyes and dark circles around the eyes

Less common symptoms may include:

Paralysis
High blood pressure
Severe watery diarrhea
Uncoordinated or jerky muscle movements
Uncontrollable eye movement

Symptoms can be indicative of neuroblastoma or other medical conditions. If your child is experiencing any of these symptoms, he/she should see their doctor.

Diagnosing Neuroblastoma

If symptoms are present, your child’s doctor will perform a complete physical exam and will prescribe additional tests to find the cause of the symptoms. Tests may include:

Often, neuroblastoma is present at birth, but is not detected until later. In rare cases, it can be detected before birth by fetal ultrasound.

Treatment Options for Neuroblastoma

If cancer is detected, your child’s doctor will prescribe additional tests to determine the type and stage (progress) of the disease. Then your child’s doctor will work with you and your child to determine the best treatment plan. Treatment will be based upon the type and stage of the cancer, as well as your child’s age and general health. Treatment options include:

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Surgery	Pediatric Surgery
Radiation Therapy	Radiation Oncology
Chemotherapy	Pediatric Hematology/Oncology
Blood and Marrow Transplant	Pediatric Blood and Marrow Transplant Program