Neuroblastoma

Definition

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

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)
  o Abdominal mass
  o abdomen, swollen
  
• bone pain or tenderness (if spread to the bones)
  
• difficulty breathing (if spread to the chest)
  
• general discomfort or uneasiness (malaise) lasting for weeks or months
  
• flushed, red skin
  
• profuse sweating
  
• rapid pulse (tachycardia)
  
• eye movements, uncontrollable
  
• loss of movement (paralysis) of the hips, legs, or feet (lower extremities)
  
• movement, uncoordinated
  
• irritability or poor temper control
  

Note: Symptoms vary 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 show 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: