Neuroblastoma

Definition

Definition of Neuroblastoma
Neuroblastoma is a neuroendocrine tumor, originating from any neural crest element of the sympathetic nervous system (SNS). The sympathetic nervous system is a branch of the autonomic nervous system. It is a nerve network responsible for carrying messages from the brain throughout the whole body. It is also the part of the brain responsible for fight-or-flight response and adrenaline or epinephrine production. Neuroblastoma commonly begins in one of the adrenal glands.

Symptoms

Symptoms of Neuroblastoma
Symptoms exhibited by Neuroblastoma depend on the location of the tumor. Other characteristics of the disorder include:

1. Abdominal swelling
2. Weight loss
3. Pallor
4. Lethargy
5. Vulnerability to infections
6. Lump in the neck if the tumor is present in that location
7. Symptoms of adrenaline-secreting tumors include flushing, diarrhea, high blood pressure
8. Tumor

Causes

Causes of Neuroblastoma
The cause of Neuroblastoma is still not yet known; thought medical experts believed that it is an accidental cell growth during normal adrenal gland development.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of Neuroblastoma
Diagnosis of Neuroblastoma is usually confirmed by a neuropathologist. There are also innovative means of detecting Neuroblastoma like mIBG scan (meta-iodobenzylguanidine).

Treatment

Treatment of Neuroblastoma
Localized lesions are generally curable. Multimodal therapies are available including chemotherapy, surgery, radiation therapy, stem cell transplant, and immunotherapy; however, long-term survival for young children is poor even with the assistance of the therapies.

Prognosis

Prognosis of Neuroblastoma
The 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 non-cancerous (benign) tumor called a ganglioneuroma, which can be surgically removed. In other cases, the tumor spreads quickly.

Response to treatment also varies. Treatment is often successful if the cancer has not spread. If it has spread, neuroblastoma is much harder to cure. Younger children often do better than older children.

Prevention

Prevention of Neuroblastoma
Consult with your doctor.