Neuroblastoma is a rare type of cancer that primarily affects children under the age of 5.
Neuroblastoma develops in nerve cells called neuroblasts. Neuroblasts are immature nerve cells found in various parts of the body, including the abdomen, neck, chest, or pelvis.
Pediatric surgeons at WashU Medicine
Pediatric surgeons at WashU Medicine see patients at St. Louis Children’s Hospital, one of the top hospitals in the nation for pediatric care and the top hospital in St. Louis and Missouri.
Who is affected by neuroblastoma?
Neuroblastoma most commonly affects infants and children under the age of 5.
Neuroblastoma usually starts in the adrenal glands. The adrenal glands, located on top of the kidneys, create hormones that control important bodily functions.
Prevention and risk factors
Currently, there is no known way to prevent neuroblastoma. However, understanding the risk factors can help in managing and monitoring the condition. Genetic factors can play a role, particularly in families with a history of the disease.
Screenings and diagnosis
Screenings for neuroblastoma may include blood tests, urine tests, imaging studies such as MRI and CT scans, and biopsy. Prompt diagnosis is essential for effective treatment.
Neuroblastoma locations
The primary sites where neuroblastoma develop are:
- Adrenal glands: Located on top of the kidneys, the adrenal glands are the most frequent location for neuroblastoma tumors to start
- Abdomen: Tumors can form in the nerve tissues near the spine within the abdominal cavity
- Chest: Neuroblastoma can develop in the nerve tissue located in the chest cavity
- Neck: Tumors can occur in the nerve tissue of the neck
- Pelvis: Although less common, neuroblastoma can develop in the pelvis area
While these are the most common areas to develop neuroblastomas, other parts of the body such as bones, bone marrow, lymph nodes, liver and skin can develop these tumors.
Symptoms
Neuroblastoma symptoms can be different depending on where the cancer is located.
Symptoms of neuroblastoma in the belly:
- Belly pain
- Lumps under the skin
- Diarrhea or constipation
Symptoms of neuroblastoma in the chest:
- Wheezing
- Difficulty breathing
- Eye changes, including bulging eyes or dark circles around the eyes
Other neuroblastoma symptoms can include:
- Back pain
- Fever
- Weight loss
- Bone pain
Treatment options
Treatment for neuroblastoma can include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, stem cell transplants, and immunotherapy.
An expert health care team considers several factors when developing a treatment plan for neuroblastoma. The best treatment depends on the child’s age and overall health, the location of the neuroblastoma, the stage of the cancer, and many other factors.
Surgical care
Surgery for neuroblastoma involves removing the cancer cells.
For some children, surgery to remove the neuroblastoma may be the only treatment necessary.
For others, especially with higher-risk cancers, surgery may be an option, but might need to be paired with other treatments to fully eliminate the cancer.
Neuroblastoma care at WashU Medicine
The neuroblastoma care team at WashU Medicine involves all the experts your child needs. Oncologists, pathologists, surgeons, and other specialists work together to provide the very best care for your child.
Our surgeons have expertise in all areas of pediatric surgery, meaning that we offer the highest level of care for even the most complex cancers.
