Neuroblastoma—Child

Definition

Neuroblastoma is a rare, cancerous tumor that usually occurs in children under age five. This tumor may begin before birth. It is often found during infancy. The tumor typically develops in nerve tissue near the adrenal glands. These glands are located above the kidneys. This type of tumor may also develop in the abdomen, chest, neck, or spinal cord.

Adrenal Glands

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Causes

The tumor begins in the neural crest cells. These cells are part of the nervous system. It is not known exactly why the tumor develops. A chromosomal mutation may be associated with this condition.

Risk Factors

Risk factors include:

• Age: under five years
• Gender: males slightly more affected than females
• Certain conditions (eg, Turner syndrome, Hirschsprung's disease, Fetal alcohol syndrome, Neurofibromatosis type 1, DiGeorge syndrome, Recklinghausen disease, Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome)
• Fetal exposure to certain medicines and substances (eg, diuretics, tranquilizers, phenytoin, alcohol, tobacco)

Symptoms

Depending on the location of the tumor and whether the cancer has spread, symptoms may include:

• Lump anywhere on the body, usually the chest, neck, or abdomen
• Abdominal pain (swollen abdomen in infants)
• Pain (eg, back or bone pain)
• Bowel changes and difficulty urinating
• Respiratory symptoms (eg, trouble breathing, coughing)
• Weakness or paralysis
• Problems with eyelid and pupil (called Horner syndrome)
• Easy bruising or bleeding
• Weight loss
• General ill feeling (fever, fatigue, shortness of breath)

These symptoms may be caused by another condition. If your child has any of these, talk to the doctor right away.

Diagnosis

The doctor will ask about your child’s symptoms and medical history. A physical exam will be done. Tests may include:

• Urine and blood tests
• Ultrasound—a test that uses sound waves to examine the body
• MRI scan —a test that uses magnetic waves to make pictures of structures inside the body
• CT scan —a type of x-ray that uses a computer to make pictures of structures inside the body
• Myelogram—a test that uses a special contrast material to view the spinal cord
• X-ray —a test that uses radiation to take a picture of structures inside the body, especially bones.
• Biopsy of tumor—removes a piece of the tumor to figure out what the mass is made of
• Bone marrow biopsy —removal of a sample of bone marrow

The cancer can spread to the liver, lungs, and bones. Early detection is key to a good prognosis.

Treatment

Talk with the doctor about the best treatment plan for your child. Treatment options include:

Prevention

Since the exact cause is unknown, there is no way to prevent this type of tumor from forming.