Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsTypesSymptomsCausesDiagnosisTreatmentPrognosisCoping
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Types
Symptoms
Causes
Diagnosis
Treatment
Prognosis
Coping
Neuroblastoma is a type of cancer that makes up about 15% ofpediatric cancers.It is most often diagnosed in children between the ages of 1 and 2 years old, and most cases are diagnosed before age 5.
Neuroblastoma is one of the most common types of cancer affecting the sympathetic nervous system. The tumors develop in immature nerve cells in theadrenal glands(around the kidneys), neck, chest, or spinal cord.
This article covers the types of neuroblastoma, its symptoms, and causes. It also addresses diagnosis and treatment.
Verywell / Jessica Olah
Types of Neuroblastomas
Neuroblastomas can develop anywhere within the sympathetic nervous system.Most of the time, a tumor develops on the adrenal glands, which sit on top of the kidneys. However, the tumors can form anywhere that there are immature sympathetic nerve cells.
Places where neuroblastomas may develop include:
Spontaneous Remission of Cancer Incidence and Causes
Neuroblastoma Symptoms
Signs of neuroblastoma vary based on where in the body the tumor is located, as well as the stage of the illness. With mild forms of neuroblastoma, the only noticeable sign might be feeling a lump on your child’s neck, abdomen, or back. If the tumors spread to other parts of the body, it tends to cause more severe illness.
Symptoms of neuroblastoma include:
Signs of Cancer In Children
When to See a Healthcare ProviderIf you notice any lumps, symptoms, or changes in your child’s behavior, bring these concerns to their healthcare provider. In many cases, the symptoms will likely not be a cause for concern.However, if your child’s symptoms are related to neuroblastoma, early diagnosis can help prevent the condition from becoming severe and may mean that your child needs less treatment.
When to See a Healthcare Provider
If you notice any lumps, symptoms, or changes in your child’s behavior, bring these concerns to their healthcare provider. In many cases, the symptoms will likely not be a cause for concern.However, if your child’s symptoms are related to neuroblastoma, early diagnosis can help prevent the condition from becoming severe and may mean that your child needs less treatment.
If you notice any lumps, symptoms, or changes in your child’s behavior, bring these concerns to their healthcare provider. In many cases, the symptoms will likely not be a cause for concern.
However, if your child’s symptoms are related to neuroblastoma, early diagnosis can help prevent the condition from becoming severe and may mean that your child needs less treatment.
What Is the Root Cause of Neuroblastoma?
Nerve cells and the cells in the adrenal glands all begin as a type of cell called neuroblasts, which are immature nerve cells that normally grow into mature cells. Sometimes, the neuroblasts remain undeveloped and continue to multiply. When this happens, a neuroblastoma forms.
The immature nerve cells usually mature or die off. Even when a neuroblastoma forms, it will often go away on its own. However, neuroblastomas sometimes continue to grow and become malignant cancer.
Genetics
Genes sometimes mutate spontaneously for reasons that are not fully understood. When this happens, a child develops neuroblastoma even though no one else in their family has the disease.
A few knowngenesthat affect neuroblastoma include:
Diagnosis of Neuroblastoma
Several tests and procedures are used to diagnose and stage neuroblastomas, including:
Once your child is diagnosed with neuroblastoma, their provider may recommend further testing to determine thestage of the tumor(severity). They will also want to determine whether cancer has spread to other parts of the body (metastasized).
Neuroblastoma Treatment
The recommended treatment for neuroblastoma depends on the stage of cancer, malignancy (spread to other areas of the body), your child’s age, and other health considerations.
Your child’s provider will discuss your treatment options. If the tumor is found early, a provider might simply observe the neuroblastoma to see if it goes away on its own.
The older the child is, the less likely it is that neuroblastomas will resolve on their own. In this case, treatment can include surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, or a combination of these treatments.
Surgery
If the cancer is only in one location, it might be possible to completely remove the tumor. In this case, your child might not require other types of treatment.
During the surgery, a surgeon uses tools to physically remove cancer cells from the body. The location and size of the tumor will influence whether a surgeon will be able to remove all of the cancer cells.
Cancer Cells
For example, it might be too risky to completely remove tumors that are located around vital organs, such as the spinal cord or lungs.
Radiation
Radiation therapy uses high-energy beams (such as X-rays) to kill cancer cells. Usually, radiation therapy is completed through external-beam radiation therapy, where a machine is used outside the body to aim a radiation beam at the cancer cells.
Chemotherapy
How Does Chemo Work?
What Is the Survival Rate for Neuroblastoma?
Outcomes for children with neuroblastomas are variable and depend on several factors, including:
Neuroblastomas are classified as “low-risk,” “intermediate-risk,” or “high-risk.” Low-risk tumors have the highest cure rate:
It is important to remember that all cases are unique.
Coping With a Neuroblastoma Diagnosis
It’s common to feel a range of emotions—shock, devastation, disbelief, and worry—as you make decisions about your child’s treatment. It can be overwhelming to try to care for your family, and you might find it difficult to care for yourself during this time.
Reaching out for support is important. Types of support can include:
Types of Caregiver Burnout and How to Prevent It
Summary
Neuroblastoma is a type of cancer that is most often diagnosed in children under five. Tumors develop in immature nerve cells in the neck, chest, belly, pelvis, or spinal cord. A genetic mutation leads to neuroblastoma but the cause of this mutation is unknown. Symptoms include a mass or lump, dark circles around the eyes, and loss of appetite. Treatment typically involves surgery, radiation therapy, and/or chemotherapy.
15 Sources
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