Health Encyclopedia

Neuroblastoma

Definition

Neuroblastoma is a malignant (cancerous) tumor that develops from nerve tissue. It occurs in infants and children.

Causes, incidence, and risk factors

Neuroblastoma can occur in many areas of the body. It develops from the tissues that form the sympathetic nervous system (the part of the nervous system that controls body functions, such as heart rate and blood pressure, digestion, and levels of certain hormones).

Neuroblastoma most commonly begins in the abdomen in the tissues of the adrenal gland, but it may also occur in other areas. It can spread to the lymph nodes, liver, bones, and bone marrow.

The cause of the tumor is unknown. Neuroblastoma is most commonly diagnosed in children before age 5. The disorder occurs in approximately 1 out of 100,000 children and is slightly more common in boys.

Symptoms

Pale skin
Dark circles around the eyes
Chronic fatigue, excessive tiredness lasting for weeks to months
Diarrhea
Enlarged abdomen (particularly if spread to the liver)
- Abdominal mass
- Swollen abdomen
Bone pain or tenderness (if the cancer spreads to the bones)
Difficulty breathing (if the cancer spreads to the chest)
General discomfort or uneasiness (malaise) lasting for weeks or months
Flushed, red skin
Profuse sweating
Rapid pulse (tachycardia)
uncontrolled eye movements
Loss of movement (paralysis) of the hips, legs, or feet (lower extremities)
Uncoordinated movement
Irritability or poor temper control

Note: Symptoms change depending on the site of the tumor.

Signs and tests

Signs vary depending on the location of the tumor. Examination of the abdomen with the hands (palpation) may find a mass. The liver may be enlarged, if the tumor has spread to the liver. Adrenal gland tumors can cause high blood pressure and a fast heart rate.

Testing reveals the original (primary) tumor and locations of tumor spread:

CT scan
MRI scan
Chest x-ray
Bone scan
Bone marrow biopsy
Hormone tests (levels of hormones such as epinephrine)
CBC showing anemia or other abnormality
Catecholamines - urine
Catecholamines - blood
MIBG scan

Treatment

Treatment varies depending on the location of the tumor, the extent of tumor spread and the age of the patient. In certain cases, surgery alone is enough, but often other therapies are needed. Anticancer medications (chemotherapy) may be recommended if the tumor is widespread. Radiation therapy may also be used.

Support Groups

The stress of illness can often be helped by joining a support group where members share common experiences and problems. See cancer - support group.

Expectations (prognosis)

The expected outcome varies. In very young children with neuroblastoma, the tumor may go away on its own, without any treatment, or the tissues of the tumor may mature and develop into a benign ganglioneuroma that can be surgically removed. In other cases, the tumor spreads rapidly.

Response to treatment is variable. Treatment is often successful if the cancer has not spread, but if there has been spread to other areas, neuroblastoma is much harder to cure.

Complications

Spread (metastasis) of the tumor
Damage and loss of function of involved organ(s)
- Kidney failure
- Liver failure
- Loss of blood cells produced by the bone marrow
- Decreased resistance to infection
- Other organ system failures

Calling your health care provider

Call your health care provider if symptoms indicate neuroblastoma may be present. Early diagnosis and treatment improves the chance of a good outcome.

Review Date:6/10/2008
Reviewed By:James R. Mason, MD, Oncologist, Director, Blood and Marrow Transplantation Program and Stem Cell Processing Lab, Scripps Clinic, Torrey Pines, California. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

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