Neuroblastoma
Neuroblastoma is a malignant (cancerous) tumor that develops from nerve tissue. It occurs in infants and children.
Causes, incidence, and risk factors
Neuroblastoma can occur in many areas of the body. It develops from the tissues that form the sympathetic nervous system (the part of the nervous system that controls body functions, such as heart rate and blood pressure, digestion, and levels of certain hormones).
Neuroblastoma most commonly begins in the abdomen in the tissues of the adrenal gland, but it may also occur in other areas. It can spread to the lymph nodes, liver, bones, and bone marrow.
The cause of the tumor is unknown. Neuroblastoma is most commonly diagnosed in children before age 5. The disorder occurs in approximately 1 out of 100,000 children and is slightly more common in boys.
Symptoms
- Pale skin
- Dark circles around the eyes
- Chronic fatigue, excessive tiredness lasting for weeks to months
- Diarrhea
- Enlarged abdomen (particularly if spread to the liver)
- Abdominal mass
- Swollen abdomen
- Bone pain or tenderness (if the cancer spreads to the bones)
- Difficulty breathing (if the cancer spreads to the chest)
- General discomfort or uneasiness (malaise) lasting for weeks or months
- Flushed, red skin
- Profuse sweating
- Rapid pulse (tachycardia)
- uncontrolled eye movements
- Loss of movement (paralysis) of the hips, legs, or feet (lower extremities)
- Uncoordinated movement
- Irritability or poor temper control
Treatment varies depending on the location of the tumor, the extent of tumor spread and the age of the patient. In certain cases, surgery alone is enough, but often other therapies are needed. Anticancer medications (chemotherapy) may be recommended if the tumor is widespread. Radiation therapy may also be used.
Credit: National Institute of Health.