Neuroblastoma

What is Neuroblastoma?

Neuroblastoma is a cancerous cell growth that originates from the nervous system (excluding the brain).  This growth of cells is referred to as a tumor. The cancerous grown most often originates in an adrenal gland (one adrenal gland sits on top of each of the two kidneys).  Neuroblastoma may also typically originate from the neck, chest, or spinal cord.

Neuroblastoma is usually first diagnosed in children under 5.

What are the typical signs of Neuroblastoma?

According to the National Cancer Institute, the most common signs of Neuroblastoma are:
-Lump in the abdomen, neck, or chest.
-Bulging eyes.
-Dark circles around the eyes ("black eyes").
-Bone pain.
-Swollen stomach and trouble breathing in infants.
-Painless, bluish lumps under the skin in infants.
-Weakness or paralysis (loss of ability to move a body part).

Less common signs of neuroblastoma include the following:
-Fever.
-Shortness of breath.
-Feeling tired.
-Easy bruising or bleeding.
-Petechiae (flat, pinpoint spots under the skin caused by bleeding).
-High blood pressure.
-Severe watery diarrhea.
-Jerky muscle movements.
-Uncontrolled eye movement.
-Swelling of the legs, ankles, feet, or scrotum.

What does the “stage” mean?  What is meant by risk?

As each child is unique, only your doctor can describe how your child’s neuroblastoma has grown.  Typically, for neuroblastoma originating at the adrenal gland, the stages refer to growth of the following areas:

http://www.nant.org/neuroblastoma.php

The “Risk” classification associate with Neuroblastoma refers to a combination of factors that include your child’s age, the stage of the cancer, and a combination of biological factors that relate to the cells.

What are some treatment options?

There are several ways that Neuroblastoma is treated, but the choices of treatments will depend on your child’s stage and risk.  Your doctor will be able to discuss the best available treatment options with you.

What is Progressive or Recurrent Neuroblastoma?

Progressive neuroblastoma is when the cancer does not respond to treatment or possibly worsens during treatment.  Recurrent Neuroblastoma refers to when cancer that has successfully responded to treatment (disappeared) but then comes back later in the child’s life.

These types of Neuroblastoma are treated differently then they are the first time.  Your oncologist will be able to discuss further treatments, which are sometimes part of clinical trials, to help your child.

Where can I learn more about Neuroblastoma?

National Cancer Institute:
http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/pdq/treatment/neuroblastoma/

Children’s Oncology Group
http://www.curesearch.org/

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