Neuroblastoma

Overview

Neuroblastoma is a cancer that develops from immature nerve cells found in several areas of the body, most commonly in and around the adrenal glands. It can also occur in other areas of the abdomen, chest, neck, and near the spine. Neuroblastoma usually affects children under the age of 5, and its symptoms vary depending on the part of the body affected. Some forms of neuroblastoma go away on their own, while others may require multiple treatments. Symptoms can include abdominal pain, a mass under the skin, changes in bowel habits, wheezing, chest pain, protruding eyeballs, dark circles around the eyes, back pain, fever, unexplained weight loss, and bone pain. If your child exhibits any concerning symptoms or changes in behavior, it is important to contact their doctor.

Understanding the disease

Symptoms

The symptoms of neuroblastoma vary depending on the part of the body affected. For neuroblastoma in the abdomen, common symptoms include abdominal pain, a mass under the skin that isn't tender, changes in bowel habits, such as diarrhea or constipation. For neuroblastoma in the chest, symptoms may include wheezing, chest pain, changes to the eyes, such as drooping eyelids and unequal pupil size. Other signs and symptoms that may indicate neuroblastoma include lumps of tissue under the skin, eyeballs that seem to protrude from the sockets, dark circles around the eyes, back pain, fever, and unexplained weight loss. If you notice any of these symptoms in your child, it's important to contact their doctor.

Risk Factors

The risk factors for developing neuroblastoma are not completely understood, but some factors that may increase the risk include:

1. Age: Neuroblastoma most commonly affects children under 5 years old.
2. Family history: Children with a family history of neuroblastoma may be more likely to develop the disease, although it is relatively rare.
3. Genetic factors: Some studies suggest that certain genetic mutations may play a role in the development of neuroblastoma, but more research is needed to understand the specific genetic factors involved.
4. Exposure to certain chemicals: Exposure to certain chemicals, such as pesticides, may increase the risk of developing neuroblastoma, although more research is needed to establish a clear link. It's important to note that, in most cases, the cause of neuroblastoma is not known.

Development

Neuroblastoma develops from immature nerve cells called neuroblasts. In most cases, neuroblasts mature or disappear during fetal development. However, in some cases, neuroblasts form a tumor called neuroblastoma. This cancer can occur in various areas of the body where groups of nerve cells exist, such as the adrenal glands, abdomen, chest, neck, and near the spine. Neuroblastoma can be classified into different types based on how the cells look under a microscope and how they behave. Some forms of neuroblastoma go away on their own, while others may require multiple treatments.

Assessment and Diagnosis

Triage

You should see a doctor if your child has signs or symptoms that worry you, especially if they include abdominal pain, a mass under the skin, changes in bowel habits, wheezing, chest pain, proptosis, dark circles around the eyes, back pain, fever, unexplained weight loss, or bone pain. If there is a family history of brain tumors or inherited syndromes that increase the risk of brain tumors, it's important to discuss this with your healthcare provider, who may recommend genetic counseling or additional testing.

Diagnosis

To diagnose neuroblastoma, a combination of physical examination, urine and blood tests, imaging tests, and staging tests are used. Physical examination helps identify any signs and symptoms, while urine and blood tests can indicate the cause of symptoms. Imaging tests, such as X-rays, ultrasound, CT scan, MRI, and MIBG scan, help reveal a mass that may indicate a tumor. The staging process, which determines the extent of cancer and whether it has spread, involves further imaging tests like X-rays, bone scans, and additional CT, MRI, and MIBG scans. Knowing the stage of neuroblastoma helps doctors select the most appropriate treatment plan.

Management and Treatment

Complications

Complications of neuroblastoma may include:

1. Spread of the cancer (metastasis): Neuroblastoma may spread to other parts of the body, such as the lymph nodes, bone marrow, liver, skin, and bones.
2. Spinal cord compression: Tumors may grow and press on the spinal cord, causing spinal cord compression. This can lead to pain and paralysis.
3. Other potential complications of neuroblastoma include:
   • Partial or total deafness
   • Facial nerve damage
   • Vision problems
   • Small benign skin tumors (skin schwannomas)
   • Weakness or numbness in the extremities
   • Multiple benign brain tumors or spinal tumors (meningiomas) requiring frequent surgeries It is important to discuss with your child's doctor any concerns or questions about potential complications and the appropriate treatment plan.

Home Remedies

There is regarding home remedies for neuroblastoma. It is important to consult with a healthcare professional for proper diagnosis and treatment. Neuroblastoma is a serious medical condition, and it is crucial to follow the advice and recommendations of medical experts. They will be able to provide guidance on the best course of action for managing the symptoms and treating the disease.

Treatment

Treatments for neuroblastoma depend on various factors, including the age of the patient, the stage of the cancer, and the specific characteristics of the tumor. Some forms of neuroblastoma may go away on their own, while others may require multiple treatments. Treatment options may include:

1. Surgery: Removal of the tumor and surrounding tissue may be performed to reduce the cancerous cells.
2. Chemotherapy: Chemical drugs are used to kill cancerous cells throughout the body. This may be administered orally or through intravenous injections.
3. Radiation therapy: High-energy rays are used to kill cancerous cells. This may be applied externally or implanted directly into the tumor.
4. Stem cell transplant: Healthy stem cells are transplanted into the patient's body to replace destroyed bone marrow and immune system cells, which helps in the recovery process.
5. Immunotherapy: This treatment helps the patient's immune system fight cancer by using substances made by the body or in a laboratory to boost, direct, or restore immune function.
6. Targeted therapy: This involves using drugs or other substances to identify and attack specific types of cancer cells with less harm to normal cells. Your child's healthcare team will determine the most appropriate treatment plan based on their specific situation. It is essential to work closely with medical professionals to ensure the best possible outcome.

Preparing for medical consultation

It's important to be well-prepared for your appointment when discussing neuroblastoma, a type of cancer that develops from