Neuroblastoma
What Is Neuroblastoma?
Neuroblastoma is a rare but serious cancer that most often affects infants and young children. It begins in immature nerve cells, typically in the adrenal glands above the kidneys, but can also develop in the neck, chest, abdomen, or spine. Neuroblastoma is the most common cancer in babies under one year of age and accounts for a significant portion of pediatric cancer cases overall.
Causes and Risk Factors
The exact cause of neuroblastoma is unknown, but it arises from neuroblasts—early forms of nerve cells that should mature into functioning nerve tissue. In some children, these cells continue to grow abnormally, forming tumors. Most cases are not inherited, though a small percentage are linked to genetic mutations passed through families.
Signs and Symptoms
Symptoms of neuroblastoma vary depending on tumor location and stage, and may include:
- Abdominal swelling or a mass
- Unexplained weight loss or poor appetite
- Fatigue or irritability
- Fever or bone pain
- Dark circles under the eyes or bruising (from metastasis)
- High blood pressure or flushed skin
- Difficulty walking, if the spinal cord is involved
Diagnosis and Staging
Diagnosis typically involves a combination of imaging tests, blood and urine analyses (to check for tumor markers), and a biopsy. Once diagnosed, staging determines how far the cancer has spread and helps guide treatment planning. Common staging tools include MIBG scans, CT/MRI imaging, and bone marrow biopsies.
Treatment Options
Treatment is based on risk stratification (low, intermediate, or high-risk), which considers the child’s age, tumor genetics, and cancer stage. Options may include:
- Surgery to remove the tumor
- Chemotherapy to shrink tumors or treat metastasis
- Radiation therapy for local control
- Stem cell transplant in high-risk cases
- Immunotherapy targeting specific cancer cells
Children treated for neuroblastoma often require long-term follow-up to monitor for recurrence and manage late effects from intensive therapies.
