A common extracranial cancer that forms in nerve tissues, common in infancy.
A malignant tumour formed from the neural crest, found mainly in young children.
Malignant tumor containing embryonic nerve cells; it most commonly develops in the adrenal medulla in children, but may arise in any part of the sympathetic nervous system. Neuroblastomas typically metastasize quickly, spreading to the lymph nodes, liver, lungs, and other organs.
Malignant neoplasm with proliferation of immature nerve cells, most often diagnosed in infants and children.
A cancerous tumor of the adrenal glands or sympathetic nervous system. Neuroblastoma, the fourth most common cancer in children, occurs most frequently in children younger than 5 years. Although the adrenal gland is the most common site, tumors may develop in the sympathetic nerve tissue located in the abdomen, pelvis, neck, or chest. Symptoms depend on the location of the tumor, but may include pain, paralysis, anemia, fever, and high blood pressure. Diagnosis of neuroblastoma is made through tests such as CT (computed tomography) scanning, MRI (magnetic resonance imaging), and biopsy. Treatment options include surgical removal of the tumor, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and bone marrow transplantation.
A malignant tumor composed of embryonic nerve cells. It may originate in any part of the sympathetic nervous system, most commonly in the medulla of the adrenal gland, and secondary growths are often widespread in other organs and in bones.
A malignant growth comprising embryonic nerve cells. It may start in any part of the autonomix nervous system. The medulla of the adrenal gland is a common site; secondary growths develop in other tissues. Neuroblastomas are the most common extracranial solid tumour of childhood. The incidence is around eight cases per one million children. Treatment is by surgery followed by radiotherapy and cytotoxic drugs.
A malignant hemorrhagic tumor composed principally of cells resembling neuroblasts that give rise to cells of the sympathetic system, especially adrenal medulla. This tumor occurs chiefly in infants and children. The primary sites are in the mediastinal and retroperitoneal regions.
Neuroblastoma is a type of tumor that originates in either the adrenal glands or the sympathetic nervous system. These tumors can vary in their nature, ranging from relatively benign to extremely malignant.
A malignant growth originating from nerve tissue within the adrenal glands or a segment of the sympathetic nervous system. Neuroblastomas that arise from the sympathetic nervous system generally form within the sympathetic nerves along the posterior abdomen. Occasionally, these tumors initiate in the sympathetic nerves of the chest or neck. These tumors frequently metastasize to other locations in the body.
Neuroblastomas are the most prevalent solid tumors occurring outside the skull in childhood. The majority of cases manifest within the initial decade of life, particularly within the first five years. This condition is slightly more frequent in boys compared to girls.
The exact cause of these tumors remains unknown, although a genetic factor is believed to play a role.
The symptoms of neuroblastoma can manifest from birth or gradually emerge during childhood. Common signs of the condition include an abdominal lump, fatigue, weight loss, discomfort, paleness, and irritability. Additional symptoms may involve diarrhea, high blood pressure (hypertension), and skin flushing in some cases.
When a tumor spreads throughout the body, various symptoms might arise. These can include bone pain or, when lymph nodes are involved, swellings in areas like the neck or armpits. If the cancer reaches the bone marrow, it may lead to anemia, which is characterized by a decreased amount of the oxygen-carrying pigment called haemoglobin in the blood.
To diagnose neuroblastoma, a combination of methods is used. These include MRI and CT scans, which provide detailed cross-sectional or 3D images of the body’s internal structures, along with blood and urine tests. A biopsy, which involves taking a small tissue sample, is also done on the bone marrow and any reachable tumors for further examination.
When feasible, the tumor is surgically excised. However, if it has encompassed the major blood vessels in the abdomen, surgery may not be an option. The primary form of treatment is chemotherapy, which uses anticancer drugs. Additionally, radiotherapy and bone marrow transplants might be explored as potential treatment options.
The prognosis for neuroblastomas can differ greatly, as they can range from relatively benign to highly aggressive in nature. Nonetheless, even if the tumor is extensive at the time of detection, there’s still a potential cure rate of up to 30%.