Neuroblastoma
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Table of contents
Overview
Neuroblastoma is a rare form of cancer that arises in the nervous system. It begins in early, immature nerve cells usually found in the embryo or fetus and is the most common extracranial solid tumor diagnosed in children younger than 15 years of age, accounting for about 7% of all childhood cancers.
It affects about 1,600 babies and young children annually in the EU and the US (800 in each region).
Symptoms
Early symptoms can be vague and difficult to recognize and therefore may be mistaken for more common childhood conditions. Symptoms vary depending on where the tumor is located in the body and whether it has spread. 65% of neuroblastomas develop in the abdomen, such as in the adrenal gland and kidneys. A common symptom is a lump in the abdomen, which can cause swelling, pain, constipation or diarrhea. Other symptoms include:
- Wheezing breathing
- Chest pain
If the lump is in the breast, it may cause signs and symptoms such as:
- Numbness
- Weakness
Loss of movement in the lower part of the body. In some cases, neuroblastoma can affect the spinal cord.8 This can cause:
- Clump of tissue under the skin
- Eyeballs that appear to protrude from the eye sockets (proptosis)
- Dark circles, similar to bruising, around the eyes
- Back Pain
- Fever
- Unexplained weight loss
- Pain in the bones
Diagnosis
Most neuroblastomas are diagnosed in infants or children younger than five years of age. Researchers do not yet know the cause of neuroblastomas. Neuroblastomas are usually discovered when a child is brought to the doctor because of the symptoms they are experiencing.
In 50% of patients, the cancer has already metastasized at the time of diagnosis. Delays in diagnosis are often due to the complex nature of the cancer, for example, the wide variety of symptoms.
About 50% of patients are diagnosed with high-risk neuroblastoma and this has the worst prognosis.8 Typically, high-risk neuroblastoma means that the cancer has spread. Patients require intensive treatment, which often involves a combination of different therapies.
Patients Association
VKKN - https://www.kinderkankernederland.nl
Villa Joep - https://villajoep.nl
Belgian Society of Paediatric Haematology Oncology - https://bspho.be/nl
